The history of zinc oxide

Zinc oxide has a wide range of uses. It has applications in rubber, ceramics, electronics, plastics, coatings, glass, and medicine. Because it has the function of shielding ultraviolet rays, it can also be used as a summer sunscreen. How did zinc oxide with such powerful functions develop?

1. History of development in medicine:

l A drug was recorded in the ancient Indian medical book "Chakara Benji", and then the drug was identified as zinc oxide that can be used to treat eye diseases and injuries.

l  A Greek doctor in the first century AD also mentioned the use of zinc oxide as an ointment.

l In 1025, Avicenna's "Drug Formula" mentioned that zinc oxide can treat various skin diseases, including skin cancer. Until now, zinc oxide is no longer used to treat skin cancer, but it is still widely used in other common skin diseases.

l  The research team led by Professor Moriori Nakamura of Shimane University synthesized zinc oxide particles with a diameter of about 10 nanometers, and made them with fluorescent properties through special technology. In November 2008, experiments were conducted on mice, and the luminous images of particles in the experimental mice were successfully captured. The discovery can be applied to cutting-edge medical fields.

2. Development history in industry.

l In 200 BC, the Romans learned to make brass by reacting copper with zinc ore containing zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is converted into zinc vapor in the shaft furnace and enters the flue to react.

l Beginning in the 12th century, Indians began to smelt zinc and zinc ore in primitive ways. Zinc oxide smelting technology was introduced to China in the 17th century.

l In 1743, Bristol, England, established the first zinc smelting plant in Europe.

l Zinc oxide was first used as a paint in 1834. It became a watercolor paint for the first time, but it was difficult to dissolve in oil. However, the new zinc oxide production process soon solved this problem.

l In 1845, zinc white oil paint was mass-produced in Paris, and it was popular in Europe in 1850;

l  In the second half of the 20th century, zinc barium oxide was used in the rubber industry;

l In the 1970s, zinc oxide was used as an additive for copy paper, but this practice has been eliminated in the 21st century.