Zinc Oxide
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Zinc Oxide

Minerals & Trace Elements Nutritional Enhancers Colorants
1314-13-2
ZnO
$5.62 ~ $8.43
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
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Product Info

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is an essential nutrient source, recognized as a white inorganic compound used extensively in food fortification and dietary supplements to provide the necessary mineral zinc.

How is Zinc Oxide made?

Step No. Production Stage Key Action Control Point & Note
1 Raw Material Melting Melt high-purity zinc metal ingots (Special High Grade - SHG) in a crucible or furnace. Control Point: Purity of the zinc metal must be >99.99%. Monitor furnace temperature to ensure complete and efficient melting.
Note: The purity of the final Zinc Oxide is directly determined by the quality of the starting raw material.
2 Vaporization Heat the molten zinc to its boiling point (approx. 907°C) to create a continuous stream of zinc vapor. Control Point: A stable and consistent furnace temperature is critical for a steady vaporization rate. The atmosphere inside the furnace must be controlled to prevent premature oxidation.
Note: This is a high-energy consumption step.
3 Controlled Oxidation Introduce the hot zinc vapor into an oxidation chamber where it reacts with a precisely controlled flow of preheated air. Control Point: The ratio of zinc vapor to oxygen is the most critical process parameter. This directly influences primary particle size, shape, and surface area.
Note: This is a highly exothermic reaction (2Zn + O₂ → 2ZnO) that generates significant heat.
4 Cooling & Collection Transport the newly formed Zinc Oxide particles through a series of cooling ducts and collect the fine white powder in a baghouse filter system. Control Point: The rate of cooling must be carefully managed to control particle agglomeration. Baghouse integrity is monitored to ensure high collection efficiency and prevent emissions.
Note: This method is known as the "Indirect" or "French" process.
5 Post-Processing (Optional) Mill, screen, or pelletize the collected ZnO powder to meet specific customer requirements for particle size distribution or bulk density. Control Point: Milling parameters (time, speed) and screen mesh size are set to achieve the target particle size distribution (PSD).
Note: This step customizes the product for diverse applications like rubber, ceramics, paints, and pharmaceuticals.
6 Quality Control & Packaging Test the final product for key specifications (e.g., ZnO assay, heavy metals, surface area) and package it into sealed, moisture-proof containers. Control Point: Conduct rigorous lab testing against product specifications. Ensure full batch traceability from raw material to finished product.
Note: Proper packaging is essential to protect the product from moisture and contamination.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number 1314-13-2
Chemical Formula ZnO
Solubility insoluble in water (0.0004% at 17 °C); soluble in acids and alkalis
Storage Conditions store in cool, dry, ventilated area, protect from light
Shelf Life 24 Months

Applications & Usage

Common Applications:

used in fortified foods and beverages
oral care
antimicrobial coatings
UV‑protective formulations

Mechanism of action:

Parameter Zinc Oxide
Functional Category Nutrient Supplement (Mineral Source); Fortifying Agent; Colorant (Whitener)
Key Ingredients Zinc Oxide (ZnO)
Mechanism of Action As a fortificant, dissolves in gastric acid to release bioavailable zinc ions (Zn2+). These ions are absorbed in the small intestine and integrated into metabolic pathways, serving as a critical cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions, protein synthesis, and immune system function. As a colorant, its fine particulate nature provides high opacity by scattering light, imparting a white color to food systems.
Application Effect in Product Fortifies the final product with the essential mineral zinc, enabling nutritional claims and addressing dietary deficiencies. Imparts a bright, opaque white color in applications such as confectionery, icings, and sauces, improving visual appeal. Contributes to the overall nutritional profile of foods like cereals, baked goods, and dietary supplements.


Comparison:

Product Name Category/Type Key Features Strengths (vs peers) Weaknesses (vs peers) Best Use Cases Why Choose
Zinc Oxide Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen Agent Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection (290-400nm); skin protectant properties. Offers the broadest UV spectrum protection of any single ingredient; extremely stable and gentle on skin. Can leave a significant white cast; may feel thick or heavy on the skin. Sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin; post-procedure care; children; anyone preferring a physical barrier. For the most complete and gentle UV protection from a single, stable ingredient.
Titanium Dioxide Physical (Mineral) Sunscreen Agent Excellent UVB and short-wave UVA (UVA2) protection. Very effective at preventing sunburn (UVB); generally more cosmetically elegant than zinc oxide. Does not protect well against long-wave UVA (UVA1) rays on its own. Sensitive skin; products where high SPF (UVB protection) is the primary goal; often combined with zinc oxide. For high, stable, mineral-based UVB protection with a potentially better finish than zinc-only formulas.
Avobenzone Chemical Sunscreen Agent (UVA Filter) Absorbs the full UVA spectrum; converts UV radiation into heat. Completely transparent on the skin (no white cast); provides excellent UVA protection. Highly photounstable and degrades quickly unless paired with stabilizing ingredients. Higher potential for skin irritation. Daily use sunscreens where cosmetic elegance is critical; must be in a well-formulated, stabilized product. For a lightweight, invisible formula with strong UVA protection, provided skin is not sensitive.
Octinoxate Chemical Sunscreen Agent (UVB Filter) Strongly absorbs UVB radiation. Lightweight and effective at preventing sunburn; common and inexpensive. Offers no UVA protection; photounstable; environmental concerns (coral reefs); potential for skin allergies. Products focused mainly on SPF value; often used in combination with other filters for broader protection. For an inexpensive and cosmetically elegant UVB filter, if UVA protection and environmental impact are not primary concerns.
Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) Modern Chemical Sunscreen Agent Highly photostable, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Extremely stable, covers the full UV spectrum, and helps stabilize other filters like Avobenzone. Low irritation potential. Not approved as a sunscreen ingredient in the USA; can feel slightly heavier than older chemical filters. Advanced sunscreens (common in Europe/Asia) for robust, long-lasting protection. For state-of-the-art, highly stable, broad-spectrum chemical protection.

Technical Documents

Available Documentation

COA, TDS available

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

MSDS available

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Quality assurance documentation

Technical Data Sheet

Detailed technical specifications