Zinc oxide

Zinc oxide (CAS 1314-13-2), commonly abbreviated as ZnO, is an inorganic mineral compound used across rubber, coatings, and personal care manufacturing. It functions primarily as an activator, pigment, and antimicrobial agent depending on the application.

Procurement teams source it across multiple grades to meet requirements ranging from industrial rubber compounding to cosmetic-grade formulations. In rubber and elastomer manufacturing, ZnO acts as a vulcanization activator.

It works alongside stearic acid to initiate and control the crosslinking process. Coatings and paint formulators incorporate it as a white pigment and mildew-resistant additive, particularly in exterior architectural and marine coatings.

In personal care, cosmetic-grade ZnO is used in sunscreens, barrier creams, and mineral foundation products. These applications require specific UV-blocking and skin-protective performance to meet consumer safety standards.

Textile and leather processors apply it as an antimicrobial surface treatment to impart preservation properties to finished goods. Zinc oxide is supplied as a white powder in a range of particle sizes, including standard and micronized grades.

Recognized specifications include USP, BP, Ph. Eur., and FCC for pharmaceutical and food-contact applications. Technical and rubber-grade designations are also available for various industrial uses.

Indirect process (French process) and direct process (American process) grades are both commercially available. The former is typically preferred for rubber and higher-purity applications requiring consistent chemical performance.