Zinc oxide is a compound that could be originated naturally, but most of the zinc oxide used nowadays are made artificially in factories for large scale use. A lot of industries are relying on this compound in creating various products from rubber, tiles, to cosmetics and even medicines. Here’s the use of zinc oxide powder in industrial setting.

Rubber and Plastic

Rubber and plastic industries are probably the biggest users of zinc oxide. This is because zinc oxide is extremely needed in one of the most important processes in these two industries called the vulcanizing process. Vulcanizing or vulcanization is the process for chemically cross-linking the molecules of rubber with other substance both organic or inorganic, through pressure or heat.

Zinc oxide will increase of ductility and strength which will then improve the mechanical properties of variety of rubber and plastic products. Not only that, zinc oxide would also increase the dimensional stability and density of those products. On top of those excellent qualities, the products would also be more resistant to abrasion which would make rubber and plastic products last much longer.

Paints and Coatings

Another use of zinc oxide powder is about protection since this compound has excellent protective qualities, both for human skin and inanimate objects. This is why zinc oxide is widely used globally for making paints and coatings. Paint manufacturers heavily rely on zinc oxide as a binding agent as well as protective coating. This will protect various surfaces especially metal which is prone to corrosion and rust that would reduce lifespan.

Makeups

Makeup industries are heavily relied on zinc oxide to make their variety of products. Zinc oxide is widely used to make cosmetics as a gradient that will enhance the cosmetic products’ viscosity, opacity and coverage. Zinc oxide is also known for its soothing properties to almost all types of skin so choosing makeup products would be very safe for your skin’s health.

Food Manufacturing

The next use of zinc oxide powder has something to do with bodily health since zinc is an important substance to have. A lack of this element could lead to multiple health issues such as problems in physical development for children, dysfunctions, and a weakened immune system. This is why zinc oxide is commonly used by fertilizer industries due to the high level of solubility, easy accessibility, and low cost.