What is Zinc?
Zinc is a brittle transition metal from the zinc group, known for its versatility and unique properties. This malleable heavy metal can easily be formed into plates and wires at temperatures of 120 °C to 150 °C. Passivation keeps it stable in the air, so it does not corrode quickly. At 220 °C, zinc can easily be processed into powder. In powder form it is pyrophoric, meaning it can spontaneously ignite in air at room temperature. Zinc is soluble in acids, forming salts and hydrogen, and it dissolves in alkalis, forming zincates. However, high-purity zinc (99.999%) is acid resistant.
Key Features
- High Ductility: Can be easily deformed, ideal for various industrial applications.
- Corrosion resistance: Thanks to passivation, it remains stable and protected against oxidation in the air.
- Pyrophoric Properties: In powder form it can spontaneously ignite at room temperature.
- Acid resistance: High-purity zinc is resistant to acids.
- Easily Formable: Can be easily rolled into sheets and wires at 120°C to 150°C, and processed into powder at 220°C.
Applications in laboratories
- Protection against Corrosion: Galvanizing of iron and steel products such as buckets, wires and pipes to protect them against rust.
- Battery Manufacturing: Essential in the manufacture of non-rechargeable batteries, such as alkaline-manganese batteries and silver oxide-zinc batteries.
- Construction sector: Frequently used in roof and facade cladding due to its durability and aesthetic value.
- Organic Chemistry: Serves as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions.
- Hydrogen production: Reaction with acids produces hydrogen gas, useful in various chemical processes.
- Metalworking: Can be easily alloyed with other metals to form alloys such as brass, which are in demand in the plumbing and jewelry industries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the main chemical properties of zinc? Zinc is a reactive metal that dissolves easily in acids and alkalis, forming salts and zincates, and functions as an effective catalyst in many chemical reactions. It is also stable in air due to passivation and has pyrophoric properties in powder form.
2. How should I store zinc granules? Store the granules in an airtight container in a dry, cool place to protect them from moisture and contaminants to maintain their chemical purity.
3. Are there specific safety measures when using zinc? Yes, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection. Provide adequate ventilation and follow all safety guidelines for handling metals and chemicals. Take extra care when handling powder due to its pyrophoric properties.
Where can I buy Zinc?
Our zinc granules can easily be ordered online via our website. If you have any questions, you can always contact customer service. Choose our high-quality products and experience the benefits of premium quality in your chemical experiments and industrial applications. Order today and start getting the best results!
Specifications of this variant
- Product: Zinc
- Packaging/variant: 1000 g
- SKU: zinc-1000g
Other Zinc packaging
Also view the Zinc main page for general product information and all available variants.
Use, storage and handling
Follow the safety data sheet and the label. Close the container after use, prevent contamination and store the product in accordance with the stated instructions.
