Zinc Phosphate

Brief Overview

ZINC PHOSPHATE is an inorganic compound with the formula Zn3(PO4)2)(H2O)4. It appears as a white powder. It has an excellent corrosion resistance, that’s why it has largely displaced toxic materials based on lead or chromium that played the same role. Zinc phosphate appears naturally as part of minerals including hopeite and parahopeite.

Manufacturing Process

Zinc phosphate is produced in the reaction of treatment of zinc oxide with phosphoric acid in an aqueous medium at an elevated temperature (usually ranging from 70° to 80°). The catalyst of this reaction is metallic zinc. The reaction is followed by separation of the residue, which is zinc phosphate.

Dentistry

Zinc phosphate dental cement is one of the oldest and widely used dental cements. It is commonly used for luting permanent metal and zirconium dioxide restorations and as a base for dental restorations. Zinc phosphate cement is used for cementation of inlays, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances and occasionally as a temporary restoration.

Metallurgy

Zinc phosphate is the most commonly used corrosion inhibitor. Because it coats better on a crystalline structure than bare metal, a seeding agent is often used as a pre-treatment.

Electronics

It is used as a corrosion resistant coating on metal surfaces either as part of an electroplating process or applied as a primer pigment.