ZINC PHOSPHATE

What is Zinc Phosphate?

The Zn3(PO4)2 is an inorganic chemical compound having a chemical name Zinc Phosphate. The other names for Zinc Phosphate are Zinc orthophosphate, Trizinc phosphate, and Trizinc diphosphate. This white powder compound is widely used as a corrosion-resistant coating, which is applied on the metal surfaces, which are put as a part of electroplating or as a primer pigment. 

 

 

When compared to the bare metal, the trizinc phosphate coats better on a crystalline structure. Thus, a seeding agent like sodium pyrophosphate is used frequently as a pre-treatment. It has largely displaced toxic materials based on chromium or lead. It had become one of the most commonly used corrosion inhibitors by 2006. The common agent of this Zn3(PO4)2 is sodium pyrophosphate.

 

 

Zinc Phosphate Formula

As every chemical, organic compound, or substance, the Zinc Phosphate has also a chemical formula. The chemical formula for zinc phosphate is Zn3(PO4)2.

 

 

Zinc Phosphate Structure - Zn3(PO4)2

The chemical structure of Zinc Phosphate is represented below.

 

 

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How to Make Zinc Phosphate?

Zinc Phosphate is prepared by mixing magnesium oxide and zinc oxide powders consisting of a liquid principally of water, phosphoric acid, and buffers. It is one of the standard types of cement to measure against. It has the longest track record of terms of dentistry. Still, it is commonly used, and however, the resin-modified glass ionomer types of cement are more stronger and convenient when used for dental settings.

 

 

Zinc Phosphate Coating

As it is said that the Zinc Phosphate is used as a corrosion-resistant coating which is applied on the metal surfaces, the process of coating is explained below.

 

 

Coating Process Using a Thermostatic Cell

The phosphating process creates a relatively inert film (Passivation) on the surface of a material, which prevents the interaction between the external agent and the metal. The chemical reaction is either reduced or impeded completely by increasing the adhesion of the paint on the metal surface. This will prevent corrosion and increase lubrication for creating or drawing processes. Also, it can act as a base for subsequent coatings or paints. 

 

 

The primary coating on the surface of carbon steel (1) was deposited by the thermostatic immersion cell (2) by using a phosphating solution (3). This process gives a primary coating with better paint adhesion. The phosphating solution passes through a latex tube (4) which is connected to the water bath (5) fixed at different temperatures ranging from 20 - 80 °C by using a regulator (6) to maintain the temperature at the required value as shown in the figure.

 

 

The coating process can also be applied by using a mobile device.

 

 

Working of Zinc Phosphate

When zinc phosphide is eaten either by a person or an animal, the acid present in the stomach makes it release the toxic gas phosphine. Baits having zinc phosphide are primarily dangerous to animals that cannot vomit, such as rabbits, rats, and mice.

 

 

Then, the phosphine in the stomach crosses into the body cells and stops the cells from energy production, and this, in turn, causes the cells to die. Zinc phosphide affects all the cells, but targets cells in the lungs, liver, and even heart.