Zinc is a versatile metal widely used in various industries due to its unique properties and relatively low melting point. Understanding the melting point of zinc and its implications is crucial for applications ranging from galvanization to alloy production. This article delves into the key facts about zinc’s melting point and explores its industrial applications.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-white, lustrous metal that is brittle at room temperature but becomes malleable when heated. Zinc is classified as a transition metal and is the 24th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
History of Zinc
Zinc has a long history of use, with early applications by Indian metallurgists before 1000 BCE. The metal was first isolated in its pure form by Andreas Sigismund Marggraf in 1746. Prior to this, zinc was recognized as a distinct metal in the 14th-century Indian text Rasaratna Samuccaya. This early acknowledgment and later scientific isolation mark key milestones in the history of zinc.
Occurrence and Extraction
Zinc is primarily extracted from sphalerite (zinc sulfide), its most common ore. The extraction process involves roasting the ore to produce zinc oxide, which is then reduced using carbon or electrolysis to obtain pure zinc. The largest producers of zinc include China, Peru, and Australia.
Key Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Symbol | Zn |
| Atomic Number | 30 |
| Atomic Mass | 65.38 atomic mass units |
| Density | 7.14 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 419.5°C (787.1°F) |
| Boiling Point | 907°C (1665°F) |
| Crystal Structure | Hexagonal close-packed (hcp) |
| Oxidation States | +2 (most common), +1 |
| Electrical Conductivity | 16.6 x 10^6 S/m |
| Thermal Conductivity | 116 W/m·K |
| Young’s Modulus | 108 GPa |
| Reactivity | Reacts with acids and strong alkalis |
| Corrosion Resistance | Forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to air |
What is the Melting Point of Zinc?
The melting point of zinc is 419.5°C (787.1°F). This relatively low melting temperature compared to many other metals makes zinc an ideal candidate for various metallurgical processes, particularly those involving alloys and coatings. The significance of this property extends beyond basic metallurgy, influencing how zinc is handled, processed, and applied in different industrial contexts.
Zinc also exhibits a boiling point of 907°C (1665°F), which means it can transition from a solid to a liquid and then to a gaseous state at temperatures achievable in standard industrial processes. This characteristic allows for zinc to be easily refined and purified through methods such as distillation.
Factors Influencing Zinc’s Melting Point
The purity of zinc can slightly influence its melting point. Impurities in zinc can lower or raise the melting point depending on their nature and concentration. However, for most practical purposes, the melting point of zinc is consistent at around 419.5°C. Additionally, the presence of alloying elements can alter the melting behavior, which is a crucial consideration in alloy production.
Thermal Properties of Zinc
The thermal properties of zinc, including its melting point, influence its behavior in various applications:
- Thermal Conductivity: Zinc has a thermal conductivity of 116 W/(m·K), which is lower than metals like copper but sufficient for its intended uses in heat exchangers and other components.
- Thermal Expansion: Zinc has a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 30 × 10^-6/K. This property is important in applications where temperature fluctuations could impact the dimensional stability of zinc components.
Industrial Applications of Zinc
The melting point of zinc has practical implications in various industries:
Galvanization
One of the primary uses of zinc is in the galvanization process, where it is applied as a protective coating to steel or iron. The low melting point of zinc allows it to adhere easily to the surface of these metals, providing a robust, corrosion-resistant layer. This application is crucial in extending the lifespan of steel structures, automotive parts, and construction materials.
Die Casting
Zinc’s low melting point makes it an excellent material for die casting. This process involves forcing molten zinc into a mold to create complex shapes with high precision. The result is high-quality components used in automotive, electronics, and household appliances. Zinc die casting offers advantages such as low production costs, excellent dimensional stability, and the ability to produce intricate designs.
Alloying
Zinc is a critical component in various alloys, most notably brass, which is a combination of zinc and copper. The addition of zinc to copper lowers the melting point of the resulting alloy, making it easier to work with while also enhancing its strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Brass is widely used in musical instruments, plumbing fittings, and decorative items due to its attractive appearance and durability.
Chemical Industry
In the chemical industry, zinc is utilized in the production of zinc oxide and zinc sulfate. Zinc oxide, produced by heating zinc in the presence of oxygen, is used in rubber manufacturing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Zinc sulfate, produced by reacting zinc with sulfuric acid, is used in agriculture as a micronutrient in fertilizers and animal feed, contributing to the growth and health of crops and livestock.
Batteries
Zinc is a key component in alkaline batteries and zinc-carbon batteries. In these applications, zinc serves as the anode material, providing a reliable and efficient source of electrical energy. The low melting point of zinc ensures that the production processes for these batteries are energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Zinc Melting Point Comparison with Other Metals
Zinc’s melting point of approximately 419.5°C (787.1°F) is lower than that of several other common metals. Here’s a comparison showing how much higher the melting points of these metals are relative to zinc:
- Iron: Melts at 1538°C (2800°F), which is 1118.5°C (2012.9°F) higher than zinc.
- Aluminum: Melts at 660.3°C (1220.5°F), which is 240.8°C (433.4°F) higher than zinc.
- Copper: Melts at 1084.62°C (1984.32°F), which is 665.12°C (1197.22°F) higher than zinc.
These differences highlight zinc’s lower melting point and its suitability for processes requiring lower temperatures.
The melting points of more common metals, expressed in ° C and ° F:
| Metal | Melting Point (°C) | Melting Point (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium | 1725 | 3137 |
| Tungsten | 3422 | 6192 |
| Chromium | 1907 | 3465 |
| Nickel | 1455 | 2651 |
| Lead | 327.5 | 621.5 |
| Silver | 961.8 | 1763.2 |
| Gold | 1064 | 1947 |
| Molybdenum | 2623 | 4753 |
| Cobalt | 1495 | 2723 |
| Magnesium | 650 | 1202 |
| Manganese | 1244 | 2271 |
| Tantalum | 3017 | 5453 |
| Indium | 156.6 | 313.9 |
| Platinum | 1772 | 3232 |
| Tin | 231.9 | 449.4 |
| Sodium | 97.8 | 208.0 |
| Calcium | 842 | 1548 |
| Silicon | 1414 | 2577 |
| Lithium | 180.5 | 356.9 |
| Boron | 2075 | 3777 |
| Zirconium | 1855 | 3371 |
| Bismuth | 271.3 | 520.3 |
| Arsenic | 817 | 1503 |
| Gallium | 29.8 | 85.6 |
| Tellurium | 450 | 842 |
Conclusion
Zinc’s melting point of 419.5°C (787.1°F) is a fundamental property that influences its versatility and application across numerous industries. From galvanization and die casting to alloy production and battery manufacturing, the low melting point of zinc facilitates efficient processing, cost-effective production, and high-quality end products. As industries continue to innovate and seek sustainable materials, zinc remains a crucial metal, offering both economic and technical advantages.
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More Resources:
is zinc magnetic – Source: BOYI
zinc – Source: Wikipedia
FAQ
Zinc’s low melting point is due to its weak metallic bonding, large atomic size, and the specific nature of its crystal structure, all of which require less energy to transition from a solid to a liquid state.
The melting point of pure zinc is approximately 419.5°C (787.1°F). This relatively low melting point compared to many other metals is due to zinc’s weaker metallic bonding and larger atomic size.
In industrial applications, zinc is often melted using conventional furnaces and casting techniques, making it relatively straightforward to work with compared to metals that require more complex or high-temperature processing.
Catalog: Materials Guide
This article was written by engineers from the BOYI team. Fuquan Chen is a professional engineer and technical expert with 20 years of experience in rapid prototyping, mold manufacturing, and plastic injection molding.
Bonjour,
Si la température de fusion du cuivre est de 1083°C et que la température d’ébullition du zinc est de 907°C, comment arrive t’on à faire un alliage cuivre-zinc?