[Chemical Knowledge]：Basic zinc carbonate properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, basic zinc carbonate is dangerous goods

Basic zinc carbonate properties

Basic zinc carbonate (Zn4CO3(OH)6 · H2O), also known as zinc carbonate hydrate, is a white to light yellow powder with certain hygroscopicity. Its chemical properties are relatively stable, but it will decompose at high temperatures to form zinc oxide and carbon dioxide. Very low solubility in water, but easy to dissolve in acidic solution. Its molecular structure contains zinc ions, carbonate and hydroxide ions, making it alkaline. Basic zinc carbonate has good thermal conductivity and high refractive index, these physical properties make it advantageous in certain applications.

Use of basic zinc carbonate

Basic zinc carbonate is widely used in industrial and consumer products. It is an important additive in the rubber and plastics industry to improve the aging resistance and stability of products. In the rubber industry, basic zinc carbonate is used as an activator and reinforcing agent to improve the mechanical properties and durability of rubber. In the coatings and paints industry, basic zinc carbonate is used as a pigment and filler to give coatings excellent hiding power and corrosion resistance. It is also used as a sunscreen and antibacterial agent in cosmetics, as a micronutrient fertilizer in agriculture, and as a gastrointestinal pharmaceutical ingredient in medicine. Its versatility makes it an important raw material for various industries.

Basic zinc carbonate upstream raw material

The main upstream raw materials for the production of basic zinc carbonate are zinc ore and sodium carbonate. Zinc ore through the pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical process to extract pure zinc, and then through a series of chemical reactions to produce basic zinc carbonate. Specifically, high-purity zinc is first extracted from zinc ore through roasting, leaching, purification and electrolysis, and then zinc is dissolved in acid to form a zinc salt solution, and finally basic zinc carbonate is precipitated by reaction with sodium carbonate. The production process also requires the use of a certain amount of water and energy to complete the reaction and subsequent drying process. The quality and supply stability of upstream raw materials directly affect the production efficiency and cost of basic zinc carbonate.

Basic Zinc Carbonate Downstream Applications

The downstream applications of basic zinc carbonate are wide and diverse. In addition to the rubber, coatings and cosmetics industries, basic zinc carbonate also has a place in ceramic and glass manufacturing. As an additive, it can improve the gloss and mechanical strength of ceramics and glass products. In the pharmaceutical industry, basic zinc carbonate is used in the preparation of drugs for the treatment of hyperacidity and gastric ulcers because of its ability to neutralize gastric acid and protect the gastric mucosa. In agriculture, it is used as a zinc micronutrient fertilizer to help improve crop growth and yield, especially in zinc-deficient soils. Each downstream application field puts forward different requirements on the quality and characteristics of basic zinc carbonate, which promotes the continuous improvement of its production process.

Basic zinc carbonate storage method

Due to the hygroscopic and chemical properties of basic zinc carbonate, special attention should be paid to moisture and pollution prevention during storage. The ideal storage condition is in a dry, cool, well-ventilated warehouse, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight and humidity. The storage container should be a sealed plastic or metal drum to prevent it from reacting with moisture or other chemicals in the air. In the process of storage and transportation, it is also necessary to pay attention to prevent packaging damage and dust flying, to protect the health and safety of workers. Regular inspection of the storage environment and packaging conditions is also an important measure to ensure the quality of basic zinc carbonate.

Market prospects and trends

With the increasing demand for high-performance materials in various industries, the market demand for basic zinc carbonate is also increasing year by year. Especially in the field of green environmental protection materials and high-performance composite materials, basic zinc carbonate shows broad development prospects with its excellent physical and chemical properties and versatility. In the future, with the continuous improvement of technological progress and production process, the application range of basic zinc carbonate will be more extensive, and the market scale will be further expanded. The promotion of the concept of circular economy and sustainable development will also promote the application of basic zinc carbonate in the recycling of waste materials and the manufacture of environmentally friendly products.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, basic zinc carbonate has excellent physical and chemical properties and a wide range of applications. From the upstream zinc ore and sodium carbonate raw materials, to the downstream rubber, coatings, cosmetics, medicine and agriculture industries, basic zinc carbonate plays a key role in the entire industrial chain. Its stable nature and versatility make it an indispensable part of industrial production. With the growth of market demand and technological progress, the application prospect of basic zinc carbonate will be broader and become an important driving force for technological progress and economic development in various industries. In the process of storage and transportation, strict management and protective measures also ensure its quality and safety, and provide reliable protection for downstream users.