Zinc white

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Johann Georg von Dillis - Trivaschlösschen - 9392 - Bavarian State Painting Collections
Chinese White
Edvard Munch, 1893, The Scream, oil, tempera and pastel on cardboard, 91 x 73 cm, National Gallery of Norway

Zinc white is an inorganic compound with the formula ZnO. It is a white powder that is insoluble in water. Zinc white is widely used as a pigment in paints and coatings, and it is also used in various other applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and rubber manufacturing.

History[edit | edit source]

Zinc white was first used as a pigment in the 18th century. It became popular in the 19th century as a safer alternative to lead white, which was toxic. The use of zinc white in oil painting was pioneered by artists such as J.M.W. Turner and James Abbott McNeill Whistler.

Properties[edit | edit source]

Zinc white has several properties that make it a valuable pigment:

  • It has a high refractive index, which gives it excellent covering power.
  • It is non-toxic and does not darken over time, unlike lead white.
  • It has good UV resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
  • It is compatible with other pigments and can be mixed to create a wide range of colors.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Paints and Coatings[edit | edit source]

Zinc white is widely used in paints and coatings due to its excellent covering power and UV resistance. It is often used in combination with other pigments to achieve desired colors and properties.

Cosmetics[edit | edit source]

In the cosmetics industry, zinc white is used in products such as sunscreens, foundations, and face powders. Its non-toxic nature and UV protection make it a popular choice.

Pharmaceuticals[edit | edit source]

Zinc white is used in various pharmaceutical formulations, including ointments and creams. It has soothing and protective properties, making it useful in treating skin conditions.

Rubber Manufacturing[edit | edit source]

In the rubber industry, zinc white is used as an activator in the vulcanization process. It helps improve the mechanical properties of rubber products.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD