 |
| Synonyms:Zinc White Flowers of Zinc Molecular Formula:ZnO Molecular Weight: 81.37 HS Code: 2817001000 Grade: Industrial grade，99.7% Feed grade，99.9% Cosmetic Grade，99.9% Food grade 99.9% Hazard Class:9 | |||||||||
1314-13-2
bosschem
1314-13-2
Zinc oxide (chemical formula ZnO) is the most important compound of zinc, a white powder, and one of the most widely used inorganic materials by humankind. It is used in various applications, including: vulcanization activator in car tires; varistor core in surge protectors; zinc source for infant formula; physical sunscreen; astringent in prickly heat powder; zinc nutrient source in animal feed; and zinc fertilizer in vegetable foliar fertilizers. From tires to milk powder, from sunscreen to animal feed, from dental materials to laboratory reference materials, zinc oxide is used in numerous fields including industry, electronics, food, cosmetics, animal feed, agriculture, and chemistry.
Basic information: Molecular formula ZnO, molecular weight 81.38, CAS number 1314-13-2, EC number 215-222-5; It exists naturally as zincite, and is industrially produced by indirect method (French method, high-temperature evaporation and oxidation of zinc ingots, purity ≥99.7%) or direct method (US method, reduction and oxidation of zinc ore/zinc-containing materials). Food grade is refined from high-purity raw materials.
Physically, it is a white powder (turns yellow upon heating and returns to its original color upon cooling), odorless and tasteless; density 5.6 g/cm³; melting point approximately 1974℃ (decomposes); almost insoluble in water (approximately 0.0004%), soluble in dilute acids and alkalis (amphoteric oxides); refractive index approximately 2.0 (strong hiding power); band gap approximately 3.2-3.37 eV; high thermal conductivity and large specific heat capacity; belongs to the hexagonal crystal system of wurtzite.
Chemically, zinc oxide is an amphoteric oxide: it can react with acids to form zinc salts (reacting with hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride, which dissolves in gastric acid to generate zinc ions for absorption), and with alkalis to form zincates; at high temperatures, it can react with solid phases such as iron oxide to form zinc ferrites; it can react with organic acids such as stearic acid to form zinc soaps; it has semiconductor properties and is one of the most piezoelectric materials; nano-zinc oxide has antibacterial activity, and the slow release of zinc ions can inhibit microorganisms. Storage must be moisture-proof and avoid direct mixing with strong acids.
Grading System: Zinc oxide is classified according to its use into industrial grade (rubber, electronics, coatings, ceramics, catalysis, batteries, etc., indirect method ≥99.7%/direct method 90-98%), food grade (fortified zinc source, compliant with GB 14880/FDA GRAS, with extremely strict heavy metal limits), cosmetic grade (sunscreen UV filter), feed grade (animal zinc nutrition), agricultural grade (trace element zinc fertilizer), and reagent grade (analytical reference material), etc. The application fields of each grade are consistent, and the purity and control of harmful impurities become stricter with each grade.
From the perspective of mechanism of action, zinc oxide plays an irreplaceable role due to "zinc ion coordination activation + semiconductor/piezoelectric electronic properties + zinc ion nutrition and antibacterial properties". The mechanism of action in different applications is as follows:
Zinc oxide reacts with stearic acid to form zinc soap, which then reacts with an accelerator to form a zinc vulcanization intermediate. This intermediate is a key medium for the cross-linking of sulfur with diene rubber to form sulfur bonds, thus accelerating vulcanization, increasing cross-linking density, and improving wear resistance and thermal conductivity.
The grain boundaries of ZnO form a potential barrier, which has extremely high resistance under normal voltage. When the voltage is over-voltage, the potential barrier breaks down, the resistance drops sharply, and the circuit conducts current, absorbing surge energy to protect electronic equipment.
The non-centrosymmetric structure of wurtzite makes ZnO one of the most piezoelectric materials. Mechanical deformation generates electric charge and electrical signals that excite mechanical vibrations, which can be used to make surface acoustic wave filters and piezoelectric transducers.
Zinc oxide reacts with iron oxide and manganese oxide in a high-temperature solid-state reaction to form a Mn-Zn ferrite spinel structure, which has high magnetic permeability and low loss characteristics, making it a core material for transformer and inductor cores.
Wide bandgap (3.2-3.37 eV) semiconductors, after being doped with aluminum (AZO), achieve both conductivity and light transmittance, making them suitable for transparent conductive films; photoconductivity is used for electrostatic copying, and ultraviolet response is used for detection devices.
With a refractive index of approximately 2.0, it exhibits strong scattering and high hiding power, providing whiteness and coverage when used as a white pigment; it is weakly alkaline, which can inhibit corrosion and rust and suppress mold; it can absorb and scatter ultraviolet rays, forming the basis for physical sun protection and anti-aging of plastics.
Ultraviolet light excitation generates electron-hole pairs, which react with water and oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species that degrade organic matter; zinc ions are slowly released to destroy microbial cells, achieving photocatalytic purification and long-lasting antibacterial effects.
In summary, zinc oxide is the "king of multifunctional inorganic materials." With its zinc ion coordination activation, semiconductor/piezoelectric electronic properties, and zinc ion nutrition and antibacterial properties, it is used in a wide range of fields, from tire rubber to varistors, from zinc supplementation in milk powder to sun protection and skin care, from dental materials to zinc fertilizer for feed, spanning multiple industries, including industry, electronics, food, cosmetics, feed, agriculture, and chemicals.
Applications: The production of tires and rubber products.
Matching products: car and bicycle tires, conveyor and gearbox belts, rubber hoses, seals and O-rings, rubber shoe soles, latex products (gloves, balloons, condoms), rubber gaskets, heat-resistant rubber products, etc.
How it works for this purpose: Zinc oxide reacts with stearic acid to form zinc soap, which then forms a zinc vulcanisation intermediate with an accelerator. This intermediate is a main medium of sulfur-crosslinked diene rubber. It can accelerate vulcanisation, improve cross-linking density, wear resistance, thermal conductivity and ageing resistance. It is an essential activator of vulcanisation in rubber formulations.
Applications: Magnetic materials, electronic power supplies.
Related products: Mn-Zn soft ferrite cores, switching power supply transformer cores, inductor cores, EMI filter rings, broadband transformer cores, antenna cores, magnetic beads, anti-interference rings.
Application reason: At high temperature, zinc oxide reacts with iron oxide and manganese oxide to form an Mn-Zn ferrite spinel structure, which features high permeability, high saturation magnetic induction and low loss. It is the main raw material for transformer & filter cores of switching power supplies, chargers and variable frequency appliances.
Application fields: Electronic protection devices, power protection.
Related Products: ZnO varistors (MOVs), surge protectors (SPDs), power surge protectors, surge arrestor valves, power system surge arresters, communication equipment surge protection modules, over-voltage protection components for household appliances, etc.
Reason why it is suitable for this application: The nonlinear current-voltage characteristics stem from the grain boundary barrier of ZnO. It maintains high resistance insulation at normal voltage and switches to low-resistance conduction under overvoltage to discharge surge current and clamp voltage. It has the advantages of fast response, large current-carrying capacity and long service life, and serves as the core component for surge protection and overvoltage protection of electronic equipment.
Applications: Radio frequency communication devices, acoustic devices.
Related Products: Surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, RF front-end filters, piezoelectric transducers, ultrasonic transducers, piezoelectric sensors, SAW resonators, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) piezoelectric devices, piezoelectric thin films, etc.
Why it’s good for this application: Zinc oxide wurtzite is non-centrosymmetric and one of the most piezoelectric materials. Electrical signals can excite mechanical vibrations and produce surface acoustic waves. This enables frequency selection and signal processing. It is an important material for RF filters of mobile phones and ultrasonic transducers.
Uses: Semiconductor devices, optoelectronics.
Related products: AZO (aluminium-doped zinc oxide) transparent conductive films, thin film transistor (TFT) active layers, LED and OLED related materials, thin film solar cells, ultraviolet detectors, gas sensors, photoconductive coated paper for electrostatic copying, photosensitive materials for electrophotography, piezoelectric thin film transistors, etc.
Why it is useful for this application: As a wide-bandgap semiconductor (3.2–3.37 eV), aluminium-doped ZnO delivers high light transmittance and conductivity and is a viable alternative to ITO. Its photoconductivity is utilised for electrostatic copying and its ultraviolet response for detection. It is an important functional material for transparent electronics and optoelectronic devices.
Application areas: Coatings, papermaking and pigment industry.
Corresponding products: zinc white pigment, latex paints and water-based paints, anti-rust primer, marine and container coatings, metal anti-corrosion coatings, papermaking fillers, printing and dyeing colouring materials, match industry fillers, anti-mildew and anti-yellowness coatings, road marking paints, etc.
How it works for this purpose: It has a refractive index of about 2.0, strong scattering and good hiding power, providing lasting whiteness and preventing yellowing and mould growth. It is weakly alkaline, which can inhibit corrosion and prevent rust, making it a multi-functional component in coating systems that combines pigment, rust prevention, and mildew prevention functions.
Application fields: Architectural ceramics, daily-use enamelware.
Matching products: Tile glazes, sanitary ware glazes, artistic ceramic glazes, porcelain glazes and enamels, enamel cookware and enamel products, ceramic colourants and fluxes, electrical porcelain and special ceramics, etc.
Why does it work for this purpose? Zinc oxide acts as a flux in glazes and enamels. It lowers the firing temperature, increases whiteness and opacity, improves glaze gloss and thermal expansion matching, and can be mixed with metal oxides to create colour. It is a common ingredient of ceramic and enamel formulations.
Application: Glass and building material production.
Matching products: optical glass, special functional glass, microcrystalline glass, glass clarification and decolorisation agents, electronic glass, lighting glass, cement modifiers, building materials mineral admixtures, etc.
Why it works in this application: Zinc ions have moderate radius and high polarisability. When introduced into a glass network, they can change the refractive index, reduce thermal expansion and improve melting performance and chemical stability. It is used in the formulation of optical and speciality glasses, as well as in cement and building materials, where it acts as a modifier to improve performance.
Application Areas: Battery & Energy Storage.
Related products: Zinc-air battery anode materials, Nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries, Zinc electrode additives for alkaline batteries, Lithium-ion battery anode materials, Zinc-based flow batteries, Energy storage electrode active materials, Fuel cell related materials, etc.
works for this purpose: Converting zinc oxide into porous zinc electrode active materials can improve the electrode's specific surface area and cycle stability. Zinc-air and nickel-zinc batteries are important directions of mercury-free and environmentally friendly batteries, and also used as anode modifiers in lithium batteries.
Application areas: Petrochemical and syngas industries
Related products: Methanol synthesis catalysts (Cu/ZnO/Al2O3), carbon monoxide shift catalysts, desulfurizing and dechlorinating agents, hydrogenation catalyst supports, syngas conversion catalysts, rubber accelerator auxiliary materials etc.
Why this is right for the application: Zinc oxide provides active sites and support structure and synergistically catalyse hydrogenation of CO/CO2 to methanol with copper. It is also a good desulfurizing agent for the absorption of hydrogen sulphide. It is an important catalyst in the coal chemical and syngas industries
Uses: Plastics and polymer materials.
Related Products: UV-shielding plastics, antibacterial plastic products, plastic films and agricultural films, engineering plastics modified fillers, transparent plastic additives, synergistic components for plastic heat stabilisers, cable sheathing materials, etc.
How it works for this purpose: Zinc oxide absorbs and screens ultraviolet rays to prevent plastic ageing and degradation. The gradual release of zinc ions imparts antibacterial properties. Nano-zinc oxide can also reinforce plastics. It is a very common filler for anti-ageing and functionalised plastics.
Uses: Flame retardant materials and cables.
Related Products: Flame retardant wire and cable sheathing materials, flame retardant plastics and rubbers, flame retardant coatings, flame retardant conveyor belts, fireproof sealing materials, flame retardant sheets, etc.
How it works for this application: Zinc oxide works synergistically with halogenated flame retardant and metal hydroxide flame retardant systems to promote char formation, suppress the release of toxic smoke and improve the oxygen index and flame retardant rating. It is an important synergist in the formulation of wire & cable and flame retardant materials.
Application areas: Functional fabrics, textiles.
Matching products: antibacterial socks and pants, sports functional fabrics, nano-antibacterial fibre, UV-protective textiles, smart textiles, antibacterial finishing of bedding, etc.
How it works for this purpose: Zinc oxide ions are slowly released to kill microbial cells; under ultraviolet light, it produces reactive oxygen species to enhance its antibacterial properties. Nano-zinc oxide can adhere to the fibres to form long-lasting antibacterial, deodorising, and UV-protective functions, and it serves as the core finishing material of functional textiles.
Uses: Environmental purification and surface functional applications.
Matching products: Photocatalytic air purifier filters, photocatalytic degradation coatings, self-cleaning exterior wall coatings, antibacterial interior wall coatings, photocatalysts for wastewater treatment, deodorising materials, disinfection materials, etc.
How it works for this purpose: Zinc oxide is excited by ultraviolet light to form electron-hole pairs, which react with water and oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species that decompose organic pollutants and bacteria, thus achieving air purification, self-cleaning and antibacterial effects. It is an important photocatalyst for eco-friendly purification materials.
Applications: Parts for the automotive industry and lubricating greases.
Related Products: Friction Materials for Automobile Brake Pads, Friction Plates for Clutches, Lubricating Greases for High Temperatures, Anti-seize Lubricants, Lubricating Additives for Gears, Friction Modifiers, Metalworking Lubricants, etc.
This application is suitable for zinc oxide since it is resistant to high temperature and wear and has good thermal conductivity. In friction materials it is a filler for stabilising the coefficient of friction and minimising wear. It is used in lubricating greases as an extreme pressure wear-resistant additive for reliable operation of braking and lubrication systems.
Applications: Adhesive and sealing compounds.
Related Products: Rubber Adhesives, Vulcanised Sealants, Building Sealants, Automotive Sealants, Tape Substrate Adhesives, Pressure Sensitive Adhesives, Butyl Sealants, etc.
How it works in this application: Zinc oxide acts as a vulcanisation activator and filler component in adhesives and sealants. It enhances cross-linking density, heat resistance and bond strength to increase sealing performance. It is an important additive to rubber-based adhesive sealing systems.
Uses: Baby & toddler foods, dairy products.
Related Products: Infant formula, follow-up formula, infant rice cereal and complementary foods, formulated milk powder, milk powder for pregnant and lactating women, liquid milk and yoghurt, cheese, etc.
Why This Is Good: Zinc is an important trace element for the growth and development of infants and toddlers. Zinc oxide is a white powder, chemically stable, highly compatible with milk powder matrix, odourless and can be dissolved in gastric acid for absorption. It is commonly used as a zinc source in the fortification of formula milk powder to meet the zinc nutrition requirement of infants and toddlers.
Areas of application: Processing of grains, bakery products.
Corresponding products: zinc-fortified flour, bread, biscuits, breakfast cereals (oatmeal), puffed food, instant noodles, oatmeal, steamed buns and pastries, ready-to-eat grain products, etc.
Why it works for this purpose: Flour and grain products are staple foods. Zinc oxide powder can be easily and uniformly mixed into powder systems and remains stable during baking and processing without decomposition. Zinc oxide powder can supply zinc without changing the colour and flavour. It is a convenient zinc source for zinc fortification of grain foods.
Application Fields: Beverage manufacturing.
Related Products: Fortified Beverages, Dairy Beverages, Solid Beverages (Powder), Sports Drinks, Plant-based Protein Drinks, Fruit Juices, Mineral Water, Instant Drinks, etc.
Why it works for this: Drinks are a convenient vehicle for zinc supplementation. Zinc oxide is suspended and dispersed in the liquid system after stabilisation treatment, so that the colour and taste of the beverage are not affected. It can be added accurately as per standards to meet the zinc fortification requirements of beverage products.
Application Areas: Health food and nutrition supplement field.
Related Products: Zinc Tablets, Multivitamin and Mineral Tablets, Zinc Capsules, Zinc Oral Solutions, Effervescent Tablets, Gummies, Trace Element Powders, etc.
Why it works for this: Zinc is one of the core minerals in dietary supplements. Zinc oxide is a standard, high purity zinc source suitable for accurate measurement and tableting. It dissolves and is well absorbed in stomach acid, so it is one of the most commonly used zinc raw materials in zinc-rich health foods.
Application: Salt and Seasonings.
Related Products: Salt fortified with zinc, nutritionally fortified seasonings, compound seasoning powders, zinc-fortified ingredients for soy sauce and other sauces, chicken bouillon seasonings, etc.
Why they are suitable for this purpose: Salt and seasonings are widely and frequently consumed, and are therefore an ideal vehicle for public zinc fortification. Fine and uniform zinc oxide powder mixes stably with salt granules. Continuous zinc supplementation is realised through daily seasoning, thereby improving the zinc intake of the population.
Application Areas: Confectionery and snack food industry.
Related Products: Zinc-fortified candies, chocolates, chewing gum, jellies, energy bars, compressed candies, children's snack foods, etc.
Why it is appropriate for this purpose: Confectionery and snack foods are especially suitable as vehicles for zinc supplementation in children. Zinc oxide is neutral and tasteless, does not interfere with the flavour and colour of candy, and can be accurately fortified according to the formula, making it a commonly used zinc source for zinc fortification in snack foods.
Uses: Food packaging and preservation.
Related products: Nano zinc oxide antibacterial food packaging film, fruit and vegetable preservation film, meat preservation packaging, food packaging antibacterial coating, antibacterial blister trays, food storage bags, etc.
Why it works for this purpose: Nano zinc oxide releases zinc ions slowly and generates reactive oxygen species under light, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi on packaging and food surfaces, thus extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables and meat. It is a functional material for food packaging, providing antibacterial and preservation properties.
Application Fields: Production of food ingredients and fortifiers.
Related Products: Food grade zinc sulphate, zinc lactate, zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, zinc amino acid salts, compound fortifier premixes, trace element premixes, etc.
Why it works for this purpose: Food-grade zinc oxide reacts with lactic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, etc. to form organic zinc salts with higher bioavailability. These serve as the basic raw materials for food grade zinc salts and premixes and assure the supply of various food fortification ingredients.
Application: Personal care preparations.
Related products: Calamine lotion, prickly heat powder, diaper rash cream, astringent protective cream, antibacterial ointment, burn and sunburn care preparations, anti-dandruff shampoo, etc.
How it works for this purpose: Zinc oxide has mild astringent, drying, protective and weak antibacterial properties. It protects the skin, reduces exudation and soothes irritation. It is one of the most classic and safe functional components in topical preparations.
Application Fields: Oral and dental.
Matching products: Zinc oxide eugenol cement (ZnOE), Dental temporary fillings, Liners, Root canal sealers, Periodontal dressings, Auxiliary components of impression materials, etc.
Suitability for this application: Zinc oxide eugenol cement features astringent analgesia, pulp soothing, good sealing, and low cost. It is a classic material for dental temporary fillings, linings and root canal fillings.
Application Fields: Personal Care & Cosmetics.
Related Products: Physical sun protection products, sunscreen lotions and sprays, children's sunscreens, foundations and BB creams, concealers, baby powder, skin creams, makeup powders, etc.
Why it's good for this: It is a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB filter that absorbs and scatters ultraviolet rays. It is a very safe and low-irritant physical sunscreen agent and non-photosensitising. It also offers coverage and mild astringency, making it a key functional ingredient in cosmetic sunscreens, skincare and makeup.
Uses: Livestock and aquaculture feed.
Related products: Zinc source for pig feed, piglet feed additives, poultry feed, aquatic feed, ruminant feed, pet food, trace element premixes, etc.
Why it works for this purpose: Zinc is an essential trace element for animals, involved in enzyme systems, immunity and growth. Feed grade zinc oxide is a stable zinc source, which can prevent zinc-deficiency diarrhoea in piglets and promote growth. It is an important additive in animal nutrition formulations.
Use: Agricultural planting and fertiliser fields.
Related Products: Zinc fertiliser (foliar fertiliser, soil base fertiliser), zinc fertiliser for fruit trees, zinc fertiliser for field crops, zinc fertiliser for vegetables, zinc source for seed treatment, compound micronutrient fertilisers, etc.
Why it works for this purpose: Zinc is a critical micronutrient for plants. Zinc deficiency causes rosetting, chlorosis and reduced yield. Zinc oxide as a zinc fertiliser replenishes soil zinc, promotes photosynthesis and auxin synthesis, and improves crop yield and quality.
Application Areas: Testing laboratories and analytical chemistry.
Corresponding Products: Analytical grade zinc oxide, EDTA standard reference material, zinc standard solution, zinc standards for atomic absorption and spectroscopy, laboratory chemical reagents, water and soil zinc testing reagents, etc.
This application is suitable for it: High purity zinc oxide is chemically stable and can be weighed very precisely. It is thus a classic standard reference material for analytical techniques such as EDTA complexometric titration and guarantees the accuracy and traceability of test results.
In summary, zinc oxide (ZnO, CAS 1314-13-2) is known as the "King of Multifunctional Inorganic Materials." Leveraging its zinc ion coordination activation, semiconductor/piezoelectric electronic properties, and zinc ion nutritional antibacterial properties, it boasts over thirty mature applications in fields such as rubber vulcanization activation, soft magnetic ferrites, varistors, piezoelectric surface acoustic waves, semiconductor optoelectronics, white pigments and rust prevention, ceramic glazes and enamels, glass building materials, battery energy storage, catalysts and desulfurization, plastic functional fillers, flame retardant synergy, textile antibacterial properties, photocatalytic purification, friction lubrication, adhesive sealing, infant food and dairy products, cereal baking, beverages, health foods, salt seasonings, confectionery and snack foods, antibacterial food packaging, food-grade zinc salt ingredients, dental materials, cosmetic sunscreens, feed additives, agricultural zinc fertilizers, and analytical reagents. The biggest industrial application is an activator for rubber vulcanisation and the most rapidly developing electronic applications are soft magnetic ferrites, varistors and battery materials. The most common forms of application are in the form of infant formula zinc supplementation, sunscreen and prickly heat powder.
