What are the characteristics and uses of zinc?

Zinc, silvery and bluish-gray, is the third most widely used non-ferrous metal after aluminum and copper. The average person consumes 331 kilograms of zinc in their lifetime, according to the US Minerals Service. Zinc is also an ideal casting material because of its low melting point.

Zinc castings are very common in our daily life: materials under the surface of doorknobs, faucets, electronic components, etc. Zinc has a very high corrosion resistance, which makes it have another basic function, that is, as a surface coating material of steel. In addition to these functions, zinc is also an alloy used with copper to make brass. Its corrosion resistance isn't just applied to steel finishes -- it also helps boost our immune system.

Material properties: health care, corrosion resistance, excellent castability, excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, high hardness, cheap raw materials, low melting point, creep resistance, easy to form alloys with other metals, health care, fragile at room temperature, ductility at about 100 degrees Celsius.

Typical uses: Electronic components. Zinc is one of the alloying materials used to form bronze. Zinc also has hygienic and corrosion resistant properties. Zinc is also used in roofing materials, photo engraving plates, mobile phone antennae and shutter mechanisms in cameras.