Zinc oxide in plastics and textiles
As a functional additive, zinc oxide brings anti-bacterial behaviour and UV stability to polymer systems and fibres. Thermal stability during processing is the limiting factor.
Anti-bacterial function
Zinc oxide incorporated into masterbatch or applied to fibre surfaces inhibits bacterial growth, which is used in functional textiles and in polymer articles where surface hygiene matters.
UV stabilisation
In polymer systems zinc oxide can act as a UV screener, reducing the rate of chain scission in the matrix. Effectiveness depends heavily on dispersion and on the particle size relative to the wavelengths being attenuated.
Processing constraints
Compounding temperatures and residence time affect both dispersion quality and any surface treatment applied to the particle. A coating designed for ambient formulation may not survive a twin-screw extruder.
Parameters specified per grade
Parameters marked grade-specific are fixed when the grade is defined, and are issued with the technical data sheet.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| ZnO content | Grade-specific |
| Particle size | Grade-specific |
| Thermal stability | Grade-specific |
| Surface treatment | Grade-specific |
| Moisture | Grade-specific |
Full specification is issued with the technical data sheet.Request the TDS for the grade you are evaluating.