Zinc dust is a dark grey powdered metallic zinc, produced from metallic zinc raw materials such as zinc ingots and galvanizing dross. There are three main methods for producing zinc dust: atomization (including conventional atomization and combined atomization), distillation-condensation, and electrolysis.
Atomization method: Metallic zinc is melted and superheated to approximately 660 °C, and the molten zinc is then atomized into fine metallic powder by a high-pressure gas medium. This method features a simple production process, ease of operation, low cost, and high productivity. However, conventional atomization typically results in a relatively large average particle size and a low yield of fine powder.
Distillation-condensation method: In this method, metallic zinc is heated to above 1000 °C to produce zinc vapor, which is then condensed to obtain zinc powder. The zinc powder produced by this method exhibits good activity, but the process requires high-quality raw materials.
Electrolysis method: Zinc dust produced via electrolysis generally has a large specific surface area and good activity. However, due to environmental concerns and other factors, its industrial application remains limited at present.
Given the multiple advantages of atomization in zinc dust production, and to address the shortcomings of traditional atomization, various combined atomization processes have been developed. These significantly improve atomization efficiency and increase the yield of fine dust. Among these, the multi-stage atomization process stands out, achieving a yield of over 90% for particles in the 10–20 µm range. The multi-stage atomization process consists of two stages: the first stage is conventional gas atomization, where high-speed gas interacts with the molten metal stream to break it into fine droplets. The second stage involves impact atomization and centrifugal atomization, where the high-speed metal droplets impinge on a rotating device, resulting in secondary or multiple atomization events. During multi-stage atomization, several sub-processes occur simultaneously, including droplet breakup, heat transfer, and droplet solidification. These processes coexist and interact with one another, collectively determining the particle size and microstructure of the final powder.
Primary applications: Zinc dust is used as a pigment in paints and as a filler in rubber, offering excellent anti-corrosion and weather-resistant properties. It is commonly used in the manufacture of anti-rust paints and as a strong reducing agent. In the pharmaceutical field, it is used in ointments, zinc pastes, and adhesive plasters. It is also a shorthand term for a dental restorative material, namely zinc oxide-eugenol cement.
Post time: Jun-24-2026
