Zinc phosphate
Zinc phosphate
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Zinc phosphate

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Zinc phosphate

Zinc phosphate is an inorganic compound with the formula Zn3(PO4)2. This white powder is widely used as a corrosion resistant coating on metal surfaces either as part of an electroplating process or applied as a primer pigment (see also red lead). It has largely displaced toxic materials based on lead or chromium, and by 2006 it had become the most commonly used corrosion inhibitor. Zinc phosphate coats better on a crystalline structure than bare metal, so a seeding agent is often used as a pre-treatment. One common pre-treatment agent is sodium pyrophosphate.

Natural forms of zinc phosphate include minerals hopeite and parahopeite. A somewhat similar mineral is natural hydrous zinc phosphate called tarbuttite, Zn2(PO4)(OH). Both are known from oxidation zones of Zn ore beds and were formed through oxidation of sphalerite by the presence of phosphate-rich solutions. The anhydrous form has not yet been found naturally.

Zinc phosphate cement is the classically used dental cement. It is commonly used for luting permanent metal and zirconium dioxide restorations and as a base for other dental restorations. Zinc phosphate cement is used for cementation of inlays, crowns, bridges, and other orthodontic appliances and occasionally as a temporary restoration.

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