Application
Dry Cell Battery
It is used as an electrolyte in dry cell batteries.
Hot-Dip Galvanising Flux
When mixed ammonium chloride, the mixture acts as flux for the hot-dip-galvanising process, coating steel or iron with zinc to protect it from corrosion.
Metal Etchant
It is used as a metal etchant, particularly in the process of creating printed circuit boards.
Soldering Flux
Zinc chloride acts as a flux, helping to remove oxide layers from metals during soldering, allowing for a strong and clean solder joint.
Catalyst and Dehydrating Agent
Zinc chloride is used as a catalyst in various organic reactions and as a dehydrating agent to remove water from chemical compounds.
Production of Other Chemicals
It is a precursor for the synthesis of other zinc compounds like zinc oxide and zinc sulfide
Organic Synthesis
Zinc chloride is a Lewis acid, making it useful in various organic reactions.
Electroplating
Zinc chloride is a key component in zinc electroplating baths, acting as a salt to provide zinc ions and increase the conductivity of the solution. It helps to maintain the correct zinc ion concentration, enabling efficient deposition of zinc onto the cathode. It can contribute to a brighter, more uniform coating and can increase the permissible current density, leading to faster plating speeds.
Dissolving Silk and Cellulose
Concentrated solutions of zinc chloride can dissolve silk, cellulose, and starch.
Fireproofing Agent and Fabric Refresher
It is used in fireproofing agents and fabric refreshers for the textile industry.
Mordant
In dyeing and printing, zinc chloride acts as a mordant, helping dyes bind to fabrics.
Wood Preservation
Zinc chloride is effective in preventing wood from rotting and being attacked by insects, which can significantly extend the life of wooden structure
Subsea Drilling
Zinc chloride is used in subsea drilling, specifically as a component in completion fluids. These fluids are crucial for controlling well pressure, maintaining formation permeability, and ensuring the long-term integrity of the well. Zinc chloride, often in a brine solution, offers advantages in high-density applications and can be used to scavenge sulfides from drilling mud.
Activated Carbon Production
Zinc chloride is a common chemical activating agent used in the production of activated carbon, particularly for enhancing its porosity and surface area. It acts as a dehydrating agent, promoting the removal of hydrogen and oxygen from the carbon precursor, which results in a more porous structure. This process typically involves impregnating the precursor material with zinc chloride, followed by heating to induce the activation process. Zinc chloride, often in a brine solution, offers advantages in high-density applications and can be used to scavenge sulfides from drilling mud.
Vulcanised Fibre Production
Zinc chloride plays a crucial role in the production of vulcanized fiber by acting as a parchmentizing agent. This process involves immersing paper or cellulose-based materials in a zinc chloride solution, causing the cellulose fibers to partially dissolve and create a gelatinous, sticky surface. This allows the individual fibers and plies of material to bond together under pressure, forming a strong, unified sheet without the need for additional binding agents.
Deodorants and Disinfectants
Zinc chloride is used in some deodorants and disinfectants due to its antimicrobial and astringent properties. It can help reduce body odor by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria and also has a skin-tightening effect. Additionally, zinc chloride is used as a disinfectant in various applications, including water treatment.
Taxidermy
Zinc chloride is used in taxidermy, primarily as a component of embalming and preservation fluids. It acts as a dehydrating agent, helping to remove moisture from the specimen and prevent decay.
Antiseptic and Hemostatic Agent
Zinc chloride can act as both an antiseptic and a hemostatic agent. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry for its disinfectant and astringent properties, and in medicine as a topical antiseptic and astringent for minor skin issues. In dentistry, it can be used as an antiseptic and hemostatic agent.