Zinc Oxide Uses Across Industries

Organic compound zinc oxide (ZnO) is an odorless, gray or white granular solid. While it is insoluble in water, it is readily soluble in both diluted acids and bases. Commercially, zinc oxide is created through high temperature oxidation of zinc or zinc ores. Bell Chem, your USP ingredient supplier, supplies high-quality zinc oxide for its customers, no matter their industry. 

Ceramic

The low expansion coefficient of zinc oxide makes it ideal for ceramic manufacturing since it improves ceramic elasticity. In lesser amounts, zinc oxide gives a glossy appearance to ceramics, while greater amounts will show as a matte finish. Use of zinc oxide is more abundant in the ceramic industry than any other industry outside rubber.

Concrete

Zinc oxide’s low expansion coefficient increases the resistance of concrete to water. This binding mechanism allays damage with water infiltrate during temperature fluctuations. Zinc oxide displays high thermal conductivity and stability, similar to the ceramic industry. For this reason, zinc oxide is added to quick-setting cement. 

Cosmetics

Along with its starring role in sunscreen, zinc oxide is often added to a wide array of cosmetics to enhance the capacity of the application to adhere to the skin. It also has proven to be both antibacterial and antifungal by destroying the cellular membranes of single-celled organisms.

Glass and Textiles

As an ingredient in pigments, which are used within many textiles, zinc oxide offers a crisp white pigment. When matched with aluminum or gallium, zinc oxide provides sun blocking properties for window coatings. 

Pharmaceutical

Zinc oxide is a proven physical sunscreen and skin protectant to deter everything from ultraviolet rays to common microbes from penetrating the skin. Acne medicines, diaper rash ointments, and sunscreens all contain zinc oxide. The amount of sun protective factor (SPF) is based primarily on the percentage of zinc oxide in a sunscreen. If sunburn does occur, zinc oxide reduces the amount of irritation. In fact, zinc builds damaged skin cells, reduces inflammation, and tightens the epidermis.

Rubber

Approximately half of all zinc oxide manufactured is dedicated to the rubber industry to assist in rubber vulcanization, thereby improving the elasticity, strength, and weather resistance of rubber. Therefore, shoes, tires, and even hockey pucks contain zinc oxide.

Semiconductors

Zinc oxide’s heat capacity and thermal conductivity mark it as a desirable semiconductor, especially in dye-sensitive solar cells. 

Water Treatment
The antibacterial and antifungal components of zinc oxide clear water as it eliminates reactive oxygen species. 

Available in almost any configuration: gel, spray, powder, paste, et cetera, zinc oxide is sure to enhance your industry. Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including zinc oxide. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.