Zinc Dust
ISO 3549 zinc dust, metallic Zn >94-97%, D50 2-10µm for C4/C5 zinc-rich primers, Merrill-Crowe gold recovery and battery grades. DG-compliant global shipping.
QUICK ANSWER
Zinc powder — zinc dust — is fine spherical zinc (typically 2-10 µm) produced by condensing zinc vapor, used in zinc-rich anti-corrosion coatings (the primer on ships, bridges, and offshore steel), chemical reduction and hydrometallurgy, alkaline battery anodes, and sherardizing. Its sacrificial electrochemistry — zinc corrodes instead of steel — protects more steel infrastructure than any other coating system.
Zinc-rich primers work because zinc particles in the dried film touch each other and the steel, forming a galvanic cell where zinc sacrifices itself to protect the substrate even at scratches. This demands high metallic zinc content (>94-97%), controlled particle size (fine enough for film continuity, coarse enough for packing), and low oxide — specifications that coating formulators certify per lot because pigment quality decides coating performance class (ISO 12944 C4/C5 ratings). Hydrometallurgical zinc dust cements gold and purifies solutions; battery-grade dust feeds alkaline cells; each stream has its own purity and size profile.
MATERIAL DATA
Lot-level controls focus on the chemistry, particle characteristics, and process values that influence manufacturing consistency and finished-part performance.
| Element | Content | Performance Role |
|---|---|---|
| Total zinc | > 98 wt% | Assay basis for the product |
| Metallic zinc | > 94-97 wt% | The electrochemically active fraction — coating performance |
| Zinc oxide | 2-5 wt% | Surface oxidation — limited by spec |
| Lead + cadmium | < 0.05 wt% (coating grade) | RoHS/reach compliance for coating use |
| Iron | < 0.02 wt% | Impurity control for battery and chemical grades |
Final limits can be aligned with the agreed purchase specification.
APPLICATIONS
Anti-corrosion coatings dominate consumption: zinc-rich epoxy and inorganic silicate primers protect ships, offshore platforms, bridges, wind towers, and structural steel worldwide — the specified primer system for C4/C5 corrosivity environments under ISO 12944. Coating manufacturers buy zinc dust against ISO 3549 with certified metallic zinc and particle size, because primer pigment volume and metallic content directly determine cathodic protection life. Marine and offshore maintenance cycles drive steady demand, and infrastructure buildout adds growth.
Chemical and electrochemical streams follow: hydrometallurgical plants use zinc dust to cement gold, silver, and cadmium from solution (Merrill-Crowe gold recovery consumes zinc dust continuously); alkaline battery makers specify low-impurity dust for anode gels; pharmaceutical and chemical synthesis uses zinc as a reducing agent; sherardizing diffusion-coats fasteners and small parts in zinc powder drums. Each market is specification-mature with clear grade boundaries.
NON-FERROUS BASE METAL POWDERS
CUSTOM SUPPLY
We supply zinc dust in coating grade (ISO 3549, metallic Zn >94-97% options), chemical/reduction grade, and battery grade (low Pb/Cd/Hg), with certified D50, metallic content, and impurity panels per lot. Custom size distributions, nitrogen-packed drums for maximum metallic content retention, and DG-compliant global shipping are standard. Not export-controlled.
We supply zinc dust in coating grade (ISO 3549, metallic Zn >94-97% options), chemical/reduction grade, and battery grade (low Pb/Cd/Hg), with certified D50, metallic content, and impurity panels per lot.
Custom size distributions, nitrogen-packed drums for maximum metallic content retention, and DG-compliant global shipping are standard.
MATERIAL COMPARISON
| Comparison Point | This Product | Barrier Epoxy (No Zinc) |
|---|---|---|
| Protection mechanism | Galvanic — sacrificial | Barrier only |
| Scratch tolerance | Self-protecting at damage | Corrosion creeps from scratches |
| Service life C5 marine | 15-25 years in system | Shorter without zinc primer |
| Application sensitivity | High — DFT and surface prep critical | Moderate |
| Cost | Higher (zinc pigment) | Lower |
| Spec status | Required for C4/C5 under ISO 12944 | Lower corrosivity classes |
TECHNICAL FAQ
Need a different chemistry, particle range, or processing route? Our material team can review the requirement and supply window.
ISO 3549 coating grade with >96% metallic zinc is the safe specification for high-performance zinc-rich primers; we certify metallic content per lot by standard titration.
Finer dust gives smoother films and better spraying but higher oil absorption (thicker paint); coarser cuts pack better in high-solids formulations. D50 between 4-7 µm covers most primer formulations — custom cuts available.
Yes — zinc powder is a dangerous good (spontaneously combustible/water-reactive classes depending on grade). We ship in UN-approved packaging with compliant documentation as standard.
Yes — chemical grade with high metallic content and controlled lead, sized for efficient cementation. Consistent lots keep precipitation stoichiometry stable.
No. Zinc dust ships without licensing requirements; standard DG transport rules apply.
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