Zinc Oxide

 Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound with the formula ZnO. ZnO is a white powder that is insoluble in water, and it is widely used as an additive in numerous materials and products including rubbers, plastics, ceramics, glass, cement, lubricants, paints, ointments, adhesives, sealants, pigments, foods, batteries, ferrites, fire retardants, and first-aid tapes. It occurs naturally as the mineral zincite, but most zinc oxide is produced synthetically.
Zinc oxide is an amphoteric oxide. It is almost insoluble in water, but is soluble in most of the acids such as HCL etc.
Uses:

• Zinc oxide powder has numerous uses out of which some are listed below:
• Rubber Manufacture - Between 50% and 60% of ZnO use is in the rubber industry. Zinc oxide along with stearic acid is used in the vulcanizationof rubber. ZnO additive also protect rubber from fungi and UV light.
• Ceramic Industry - Ceramic industry consumes a significant amount of zinc oxide, in particular in ceramic glaze and frit compositions.

• Medicine -
  
  • Zinc oxide as a mixture with about 0.5% iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) is called calamine and is used in calamine lotion.
  • Reflecting the basic properties of ZnO, fine particles of the oxide have deodorizing and antibacterial properties and for that reason are added into materials including cotton fabric, rubber, oral care products, and food packaging.
  • Zinc oxide is widely used to treat a variety of other skin conditions, in products such as baby powder and barrier creams to treat diaper rashes, calamine cream, anti-dandruff shampoos, and antiseptic ointments.
  • Zinc oxide can be used in ointments, creams, and lotions to protect against sunburn and other damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet light.

• Zinc oxide is a constituent of filters.
• Zinc oxide is added to many food products, including breakfast cereals, as a source of zinc, a necessary nutrient.
• Paints containing zinc oxide powder have long been utilized as anticorrosive coatings for metals.