Zinc

Zinc

Zinc (Zn) is a bluish-white, lustrous transition metal known for its moderate strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good thermal and electrical conductivity. It has a melting point of 419.5 °C and is widely used as a protective coating for steel and iron via galvanization. Zinc forms a stable oxide layer that helps prevent further corrosion. It is primarily obtained from zinc sulfide ores like sphalerite.

Goodfellow’s selection of zinc products, including Zinc Foil, Zinc Powder, Zinc Pellets, and Zinc Rods, is integral to a wide range of applications in industries like electronics, materials science, and corrosion protection. Zinc is commonly used in galvanizing processes, ensuring steel and iron products are resistant to rust. It is also utilized in battery technology, particularly in zinc-based rechargeable cells, and in environmental research due to its catalytic properties. Our Zinc Shots and Zinc Sputtering Targets are highly sought after by laboratory researchers in fields such as metallurgy, electronics, and energy storage.



General Properties

PropertyValue
Atomic Number30
Density7.14 g/cm³
Melting Point419.5 °C
Boiling Point907 °C
Thermal Conductivity116 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity59 nΩ·m
Crystal StructureHexagonal Close-Packed (HCP)

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength110–150 MPa
Yield Strength30–60 MPa
Young’s Modulus108 GPa
HardnessBrinell 30–50
Elongation at Break25–45%
Poisson’s Ratio0.25

Chemical Properties

PropertyValue
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent; forms protective oxide layer (ZnO)
ReactivityModerately reactive; reacts with acids and alkalis
Oxidation States+2 (most common)
Surface OxideZinc oxide (ZnO)
IdentifierValue
SymbolZn
Atomic Number30
CAS Number7440-66-6
UN NumberUN1436 (powder)
EINECS Number231-175-3
IsotopeTypeNotes
Zn-64Stable~48.6% natural abundance
Zn-66Stable~27.9%
Zn-67Stable~4.1%
Zn-68Stable~18.8%
Zn-70Stable~0.6%

Scientific Applications

Use CaseDescription
Biological ResearchEssential trace element in enzymatic processes and cell function
Thin-Film CoatingsUsed in protective and conductive coatings via sputtering
PhotocatalysisZinc oxide nanoparticles for UV-light driven catalysis
Material ScienceStudy of corrosion and oxidation resistance mechanisms
Semiconductor ResearchZnO used in transparent electronics and sensors

Industrial Applications

Use CaseDescription
GalvanizationProtective zinc coatings on steel and iron to prevent corrosion
AlloysComponent in brass, bronze, and other alloys for enhanced properties
BatteriesUsed in alkaline and zinc-carbon battery electrodes
Rubber IndustryAccelerator in rubber vulcanization
Paints and PigmentsZinc oxide as a white pigment and mildew inhibitor
PurityDescription
98.8% (1N88) Standard purity zinc used in general industrial applications and galvanizing processes.
99% (2N) Improved purity suitable for alloy production and basic research materials.
99.7% (2N7) Higher purity zinc for enhanced corrosion resistance and specialty coatings.
99.9% (3N) Research-grade zinc for electronics, battery electrodes, and high-quality alloys.
99.95% (3N5) Ultra-high purity zinc ideal for thin-film deposition and advanced materials research.
99.98% (3N8) Superior purity for semiconductor applications and specialized scientific investigations.
99.99% (4N) Electronic grade zinc used in microelectronics and precision coating processes.
99.999% (5N) Exceptional purity zinc for critical scientific research, nanotechnology, and advanced battery development.
99.9998% (5N8) Highest purity zinc for ultra-sensitive applications in electronics, optics, and quantum materials research.
Synonym
Zinc metal
Elemental Zinc
Element 30
Zincum (Latin)