zinc oxide
Quick Summary
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an inorganic compound with a wide range of applications. It is a white powder that is infusible and insoluble in water.
Key Uses and Properties:
- Pigment: Zinc oxide is used as a white pigment in paints and coatings, providing opacity and durability. It also helps prevent yellowing and mold growth.
- Rubber Compounding: It acts as an accelerator in the vulcanization of rubber, a process crucial for making products like automobile tires.
- Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: High-purity zinc oxide is used in ointments, lotions, sunblocks, and other cosmetic preparations due to its mild astringent properties and ability to soothe skin irritations.
- Semiconductor Properties: Zinc oxide exhibits semiconducting properties and light sensitivity (photoconductivity), making it useful in photocopying processes and potentially in electronic applications.
- Other Applications: It is also incorporated into ceramics, enamels, and lubricants.
Zinc oxide can be produced through direct or indirect methods, with different grades suited for specific uses.1234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
rubberThe cure package…are known as “activators,” commonly zinc oxide and stearic acid. These compounds react together and with accelerators to form a zinc sulfurating compound, which in turn is the key intermediary in adding sulfur to a diene elastomer and creating sulfur interlinks.
Read More…are known as “activators,” commonly zinc oxide and stearic acid. These compounds react together and with accelerators to form a zinc sulfurating compound, which in turn is the key intermediary in adding sulfur to a diene elastomer and creating sulfur interlinks.
Read More
vulcanization…and accelerators, carbon black or zinc oxide is usually added, not merely as an extender, but to improve further the qualities of the rubber. Anti-oxidants are also commonly included to retard deterioration caused by oxygen and ozone. Certain synthetic rubbers are not vulcanized by sulfur but give satisfactory products upon…
Read More…and accelerators, carbon black or zinc oxide is usually added, not merely as an extender, but to improve further the qualities of the rubber. Anti-oxidants are also commonly included to retard deterioration caused by oxygen and ozone. Certain synthetic rubbers are not vulcanized by sulfur but give satisfactory products upon…
Read More
zincCompoundsZinc oxide, ZnO, is one of the most important zinc compounds. It can be prepared in a state of high purity and in a variety of crystal shapes and sizes by burning zinc vapour in air. Because of its high heat conductivity and capacity, zinc…
Read MoreZinc oxide, ZnO, is one of the most important zinc compounds. It can be prepared in a state of high purity and in a variety of crystal shapes and sizes by burning zinc vapour in air. Because of its high heat conductivity and capacity, zinc…
Read More
zinc processingZinc oxideTwo main processes are employed for producing zinc oxide, a white powder. In the direct, or American, method of manufacture, zinc ores (or residues) are heated in air with coke or anthracite, and the resulting zinc vapour is subjected to controlled oxidation. In…
Read MoreTwo main processes are employed for producing zinc oxide, a white powder. In the direct, or American, method of manufacture, zinc ores (or residues) are heated in air with coke or anthracite, and the resulting zinc vapour is subjected to controlled oxidation. In…
Read More


