What Does
Zinc Dust Mean?
Zinc dust is a zinc material in the form of a powder. Zinc is an important element with an atomic number of 30 and is found in group 12 of the periodic table. It is an important sacrificing element that helps prevent corrosion by sacrificing itself.
Zinc dust may also be known as zinc powder.
Corrosionpedia Explains Zinc Dust
Zinc dust is used to manufacture paints and coatings that resist corrosion when applied to structures or surfaces that are prone to harsh environmental conditions. Zinc dust is used in a wide range of applications, such as:
- Zinc rich paints and coatings – Zinc dust or zinc powder is mixed so as to impart corrosion inhibiting properties. Zinc oxide coatings are nearly insoluble in water and therefore can be applied on offshore rigs, sea vessels and ships, containers and bridges.
- Cosmetics – Zinc dust is mixed with talcum and face powders, and provides UVA protection to the skin.
- Casting – Because zinc is less expensive than copper, it is preferred for mixing metal alloys in foundaries and is used for casting dies, shell molds, permanent molds and plaster molds.
- Batteries – Zinc dust provides chemical potential energy in alkaline batteries to transfer electrical charges between the positive and negative terminals.
- Rocket fuel – When zinc dust or zinc powder is mixed with sulfur powder in a 70:30 ratio and compressed and ignited, there is a violent chemical reaction producing hot gases, heat and light.