ZINC BORATE Meaning and
Definition
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Zinc borate is an inorganic compound that is composed of zinc, boron, and oxygen. Its chemical formula is ZnB2O4. Zinc borate can occur naturally as the mineral tincalconite, but it is more commonly synthesized for various industrial applications.
Zinc borate is a white, crystalline powder that is insoluble in water. It has a high melting point and is stable at high temperatures, making it useful as a flame retardant and smoke suppressant in numerous materials. It is often added to polymers, plastics, and rubber products to enhance their fire-resistant properties and reduce smoke emission when exposed to flames or high heat.
In addition to its flame retardant properties, zinc borate also acts as a synergist for other flame retardants, increasing their effectiveness. It can function by releasing water molecules when exposed to fire, cooling the material and inhibiting combustion. Furthermore, zinc borate can coat the surface of the material, creating a char layer that acts as a physical barrier to prevent the spread of flames.
Apart from its use in flame retardant applications, zinc borate also exhibits antifungal and anti-corrosive properties. It is employed as a preservative in wood and as a protective coating for metals to prevent corrosion. Additionally, zinc borate finds application in ceramics, glass, paints, and adhesives due to its ability to improve durability, adhesion, and resistance to abrasion.
Overall, zinc borate is a versatile compound that serves various functions such as flame retardancy, smoke suppression, antifungal action, corrosion prevention, and enhancement of material properties in different industries.
Etymology of ZINC BORATE
The etymology of the word "zinc borate" can be broken down into the origins of its individual components:
1. Zinc: The term "zinc" originates from the German word "Zink", which is derived from the Persian word "sing", meaning "stone" or "metal". The element itself was historically known as "zincum" in Latin and "zinke" in Old High German.
2. Borate: The term "borate" is derived from "boron", which comes from the Arabic word "buraq" or "burah", meaning "borax". "Borax" is a naturally occurring compound composed of boron.
The combination of these two terms gives us "zinc borate", referring to a chemical compound that contains both zinc and boron.
