ZnO is the chemical abbreviation of a compound consisting of Zinc and Oxygen, Zinc Oxide. Zinc Oxide is highly irreplaceable in our lives. It may not be directly linked to our day to day lives, but it is highly linked to us through our day to day articles. Zinc Oxide is used in electronic industry, rubber industry, paint industry, cement industry, medical products and also as a catalyst. Its varied application and easy availability have made it earn a huge popularity. Zinc oxide has attained an indispensable stature.
 
About Zinc Oxide (ZnO)

Zinc Oxide is a compound that has proven to be extremely versatile. Zinc Oxide is present in nature in the form of a grainy mineral bearing a coarse texture that goes by the name, Zincite. It can also be prepared by oxidisation of zinc or zinc vapour with the atmospheric oxygen. It is also obtained by calcination of various compounds such as zinc nitrate, zinc hydroxide and zinc carbonate. The zinc oxide that is prepared, often contains lead and warrants the need of hazard warnings. Zinc Oxide is known to be in a white and powdery form or in colourless crystals of hexagonal shape. When heated, the compound turns lemon yellow but returns to its white form as it are cooled.
 

Zinc oxide has a broad spectrum of use. However, it is primarily employed in the rubber industry. ZnO additives for rubber are known not just for improving conduction of heat, but also to promote the process of vulcanization of rubber. ZnO rubber additives improve the life of the tires they are used in, as they conduct the heat produced by the movement of the tire away from it and hence brings the rate of depreciation down.
 
Zinc Oxide is also known to increase the processing time when introduced to concrete. It also helps prolong the life of concrete by making it water resistant. Zinc Oxide is also used in the chemical industries, for the catalyst nature that it exhibits. Even cosmetics are known to contain this compound. Zinc oxide is used in production of antiseptics and astringent zinc salts and hence has their requirement in pharmaceutical industries. Owing to their great conducting nature, they have even found their way into the electronic industries.
 
Zinc Oxide with its various applications is perhaps one of the most industrially coveted compounds.