[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, properties and uses of zinc oxide

Zinc oxide properties

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a white inorganic compound with high thermal and chemical stability. It has a molecular weight of 81.38g/mol and a melting point of about 1975°C, at which temperature it decomposes into oxygen and zinc. Zinc oxide has semiconducting properties with a band gap width of about 3.37 eV, making it very useful in optoelectronic and electronic applications. ZnO has high refractive index and good thermal conductivity, and at the same time, it shows strong light absorption and luminescence under ultraviolet light. These characteristics make it have important application value in various industrial and technological fields.

Zinc oxide uses

Zinc oxide is widely used, covering many industries and applications. In the rubber industry, zinc oxide is used as a vulcanization accelerator and reinforcing agent to improve the wear resistance and elasticity of rubber products. In the coatings and pigments industry, ZnO is used as a white pigment and UV screening agent, which can provide excellent hiding power and protective function. In the electronics industry, zinc oxide is used as a key material for transparent conductive films, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and field effect transistors (FETs). Zinc oxide is also widely used in medicine and cosmetics as an antibacterial agent and sunscreen agent.

Zinc oxide upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of zinc oxide mainly depends on the mining and processing of zinc ore. The upstream raw materials mainly include sphalerite (ZnS) and smectite (ZnCO3), which produce zinc metal through calcination and reduction reactions. Zinc oxide can be obtained by further oxidation of metallic zinc. Fluctuations in the upstream supply chain, such as ore prices and mining conditions, will directly affect the production cost and market supply of zinc oxide. Downstream applications cover a wide range of industrial sectors, such as rubber, coatings, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the market demand and technological progress of end products will also react to the market dynamics of zinc oxide.

Zinc oxide storage method

Storage of zinc oxide requires consideration of its physical and chemical properties. ZnO is a stable compound, but its hygroscopic and fine powder properties require avoiding humid environments during storage. The best storage conditions are dry, ventilated warehouses, and use sealed containers or bags to prevent the intrusion of moisture and other impurities. Avoid contact with strong acids, strong bases and reducing substances to prevent unnecessary chemical reactions. The storage environment and packaging integrity are regularly checked to ensure that the quality and purity of the zinc oxide are not affected.

Zinc Oxide Market Prospects

With the progress of science and technology and the improvement of environmental protection awareness, zinc oxide has shown broad market prospects in many emerging fields. For example, in the field of new energy, the application of ZnO as a photoelectric material is expanding, especially in solar cells and photocatalysts. The development of nanotechnology has also promoted the research and application of nano-ZnO. Nano-ZnO has unique advantages in medical treatment, environmental protection and high-performance materials. It is expected that in the next few years, with the growth of technological innovation and market demand, the application field of zinc oxide will continue to expand, and the market scale will also grow steadily.

Environmental Protection and Safety

Zinc oxide needs to follow strict environmental and safety standards in the production and use process. Waste gas, waste water and solid waste discharged during the production process need to be treated to meet environmental protection requirements and avoid environmental pollution. In the process of use, especially nano-zinc oxide, it is necessary to pay attention to its potential impact on human health and the environment, and comply with relevant safety procedures and protective measures. Governments and industry associations have also formulated a series of regulations and standards to ensure that the production and application of zinc oxide meet the requirements of sustainable development.

Conclusion

As an important industrial raw material, zinc oxide has a wide range of applications and good market prospects. Its unique physical and chemical properties allow it to play a key role in industries such as rubber, coatings, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Upstream raw material supply and downstream market demand together affect the production and sales dynamics of zinc oxide. Scientific storage methods and strict environmental protection and safety measures are important guarantees for the quality and sustainable development of zinc oxide products. With the continuous progress of science and technology, zinc oxide will show its unique value in more emerging fields.