Zinc metal powder is a bluish-gray-colored powder. It is very useful in making paints, brass and also medicine. This material is hazardous and flammable. You should be careful while using or storing this substance; otherwise, it may cause combustion. Powdered zinc doesn’t dissolve in water. It should be kept away from strong bases, strong acids, sulfur, and also water. This material is heat sensitive. It is unstable in humid and warm air. It is stable in dry and cool areas. Metallic Zinc Powder has no smell. Zinc vapors are purified and condensed for the production of zinc powder. Zinc is a useful catalyst and a reducing agent for a number of chemical reactions.
How was Zinc Powder discovered?
Many centuries ago when zinc was not discovered in its metallic form. People used its ores for healing sore eyes and body injuries. It was used for making different zinc compounds. Zinc ores were a great resource for producing brass compounds. During the era of Augustus, Romans produced brass. In 1374, Indians discovered zinc as a unique metal at Zawar, a place located in India. In the 17th century, zinc manufacturers traveled from India to China. In 1546, the Europeans also recognized zinc as a unique metal. In 1743, Europeans established their first zinc smelter at Bristol, a place located in the United Kingdom.
Applications of ZINC Metal Powder
Alkaline Batteries:
Zinc metal has good electrical properties and is used widely in Button in alkaline batteries. It acts as an anode in these alkaline batteries. Zinc powder batteries are rechargeable. Metallic zinc powder is also used in other batteries like Silver Oxide Button Cells, Alkaline round cells, Zinc-air button cells, printed batteries, etc. One problem with zinc powder batteries is that they cause battery leakage. During storage, Zinc metal dissolves and produces hydrogen gas. This gassing may cause the batteries to leak. Earlier, the manufacturer alloyed zinc with mercury to slow down this gas production. But, mercury is not good for the environment and health. They changed the zinc-mercury alloys with other alloys like bismuth-zinc and indium-zinc alloys. These measurements reduced the battery leakage, but the problem still.
Thermal Spraying:
Zinc powder thermal spraying is a process in which they melt the powdered zinc and then spray it over the desired metal surface. It makes the products corrosion resistant. Powdered zinc increases the quality of products. It makes them able to sustain a harsh environment saving money and resources.
Solder Powder:
Soldering is a technique that is used to join metal parts. In this technique, a material known as solder is first melted. This melted solder then solidifies, resulting in a strong joint between metal parts. Zinc metal dust is a major component of soldering powders. Zinc soldering powders don’t produce the surface oxide, thus reinforcing the joint.
Zinc Powder for Paints:
Metallic zinc powder is used in paints to avoid rusting and corrosion of the components. Zinc paints block stains, decrease corrosion, and also provide mildew resistance.
Zinc metal dust Conclusion
Zinc powder is a metallic powder with bluish-gray color. It is produced by condensing the purified fumes of zinc metal. Zinc powder has a lot of applications in many industries. Zinc metal dust is used to make rechargeable alkaline zinc batteries. Zinc thermal sprays are sustainable. They extend the product’s life by saving it from corrosion. Zinc powder is also a major component of soldering powders. It is also used in nutrient materials. Metallic zinc powder is also added to paints to avoid corrosion.
