Atomic Number: 30
Symbol: Zn
Atomic Weight: 65.38
Electron Configuration: (Ar)4s23d10
Isotopes: There are 21 known isotopes, 5 stable and 16 unstable
Melting Point: 419.58° C
Boiling Point: 907° C
Specific Gravity: 7.133 @ STP
Valence: 2

Typical Physical Characteristics of Our Zinc Products

Flake Sizes available:
Z45:10- 44 um (Z45 Aspect Ratio: 30um x 10um average)
Z125: 45-125um
Z425: 125-425um

Z600: 425-600um
Tap Density: 1.8-2.3 cm3/g
Flake Thickness: 1-2 um average
Total Zinc %minimum: 99
Metallic Zinc % minimum: 97
Iron % maximum: 0.002
Lead % maximum: 0.002
Copper % maximum: 0.001
Cadmium % maximum: 0.001
Zinc Oxide: Balance

MSDS (pdf)
Product Information Sheet (pdf)

APPLICATIONS

Dip Spin coatings - Government regulations and product performance requirements are causing plating processes to be converted to coating processes. These regulations have practically eliminated the use of chrome, lead and other elements which are unfriendly to the environment.

Additionally, component and fastener manufacturers must adhere to more stringent specifications which provide better salt spray performance and more consistent torque tension capabilities.

Due to the fact that fasteners must maintain their manufactured tolerances, galvanization, plating nor dust based protection can be used because those processes distort the integrity of the part. Only a zinc flake based coating allows the corrosion protection necessary while at the same time preserving the part characteristics.

In this process parts are placed on a conveyor and then metered by weight into a wire mesh basket. The basket is submerged into a coating vat. The basket is then raised out of the zinc flake based coating solution and then spun at up to 600 rpm while still in the vat. The excess coating that is spun off drain back into the vat for reuse.

Some systems allow for the basket to be tilted and/or vibrated in order to eliminate “kiss marks” and to ensure even distribution of the protective coating. Depending upon the application, the coating viscosity, temperature, spin velocity and curing time can be varied to achieve desired coating thickness and consistent repeatability.

Zinc-rich Paints – These coatings have long been recognized for their excellent adherence to both new and weathered surfaces. Zinc-rich paints have been used for more than a century. One of the key reasons for the success of zinc-rich paints is their combination of barrier and cathodic protection.

In a 1960’s study by the American Iron and Steel Structures Painting Council, zinc-rich paints outperformed all other classes of paint. Significantly, at the nine-year inspection in 1970, there was no loss of adhesion to the substrate.

Zinc-rich paints possess similar characteristics to a hot-dip galvanized surface coating. Recent studies at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Wales Swansea http://www.swan.ac.uk/mateng/corrosion/NeilEurocorr.pdf have shown that flaked zinc in combination with traditional spherical dust provide equal or better corrosion protection with a lower zinc loading percentage.

With metal prices at record levels, a lower loading percentage can mean significant cost savings in the manufacturing of these coatings. Additionally, the morphology of the flake provides a superior cathodic connection in the dried coating due to the overlapping nature of the lamellar particle. Zinc-rich paints are also an approved method for the repair of damaged galvanized coatings according to ASTM A 780.

Zinc/Air Batteries - also called zinc/air fuel cells are a non-rechargeable electro-chemical battery, powered by the oxidation of zinc with oxygen from the air. These batteries have very high energy densities and are relatively inexpensive to produce.

These batteries are used in hearing aids, small electronics and in experimental electric vehicles. Particles of zinc are mixed with an electrolyte, such as potassium hydroxide, to make the gelled or paste anode.

Water and oxygen from the air act as a cathode and form hydroxyls which migrate into the zinc anode and form zincate, Zn(OH)42- at which point electrons are released that travel back to the cathode. The zincate decays into zinc oxide and water and is released back into the system.

The water and hydroxyls from the anode are recycled at the cathode. These reactions produce voltage levels near a max of 1.65 v.

The morphology of the zinc used is critical to the power density of the battery. A spherical dust does not work as well as a zinc particle that has a high aspect ratio. Zinc flake has a morphology that allows a shapeable gel while at the same time maximizing the amount of zinc available as an anode without increasing the amount used. The end result is a more powerful battery that costs less to manufacture.