Zinc
Zinc is a widely used base metal and the primary feedstock for galvanising steel, die-casting alloys and brass. This entry covers primary zinc metal, separate from finished zinc alloy and zinc-nickel coating grades already catalogued.
Overview
Zinc (symbol Zn, atomic number 30) is a bluish-silver transition/base metal with density about 7.14 g/cm³ and melting point 419.5°C. Its dominant automotive role is corrosion protection of steel via continuous galvanising (GI, GA), electrogalvanising and zinc-rich coatings on body-in-white and chassis parts. Primary zinc also feeds zinc die-casting alloys (Zamak family — finished alloys may be listed separately), brass production and sacrificial anodes. As battery chemistries diversify, zinc is additionally watched for aqueous zinc-ion and zinc-air research, though high-volume EV traction cells remain lithium-based. Mine and smelter supply is globally distributed (China, Australia, Peru, India, Canada) with well-developed secondary recovery from galvanising ashes and die-cast scrap. Specifying primary zinc as feedstock helps distinguish BOM metal risk from proprietary alloy and coating systems.
Automotive Applications
Similar Materials
Beryllium
Alkaline Earth Metal
Elemental beryllium is a lightweight alkaline earth metal with exceptional stiffness-to-weight and thermal stability, used in aerospace structures, precision optics and specialised electronics. It is distinct from beryllium-copper (BeCu) alloys and carries significant toxicity and regulatory controls.
Ferrochrome
Ferroalloy
An essential ferroalloy composed of chromium and iron used primarily as an alloying agent in the production of stainless and heat-resistant steels.
Ferrosilicon
Ferroalloy
An alloy of iron and silicon used primarily as a deoxidizer and alloying element in the production of steel and cast iron.
Iridium
Platinum Group Metal (PGM)
Iridium is an extremely rare, corrosion-resistant platinum group metal (PGM) with exceptional hardness and a melting point above 2400°C. In automotive and clean-energy systems it is used in spark-plug electrodes, catalytic and electrocatalytic coatings, and proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser anodes.
Properties
Category
Type
Transition Metal / Base Metal
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Excellent sacrificial corrosion protection for steel
- Melting point 419.5°C — suited to die casting
- Density ~7.14 g/cm³
- Good castability in alloyed form
- Abundant relative to PGMs and specialty metals
- Distinct from finished Zinc Alloy product entries
Technical Specifications
Density
7.14 g/cm³
Tensile Strength
~110–140 MPa (commercially pure zinc; alloys much higher)
Temperature Resistance
Melts at 419.5°C; galvanised coatings serviceable across typical automotive paint-bake and service temperatures
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
Zinc has a mature recycling loop via galvanising residues, die-cast scrap and brass remelt. Primary mining and roasting generate SO2 and residue streams that require modern smelter controls. Galvanising extends steel life, reducing embodied carbon of vehicle structures over service life.