Zinc phosphate - Zn₃(PO₄)₂

Table of Contents

• What is Zinc phosphate?
• Zinc phosphate Occurrence
• Zinc phosphate structure – Zn3(PO4)2
• Properties of Zinc phosphate – Zn3(PO4)2
• Zn3(PO4)2 Uses

What is Zinc phosphate?

Zinc phosphate is an inorganic compound made up of phosphorous, oxygen and zinc with the formula Zn3(PO4)2. Zinc phosphate is typically used for permanent cementation in dentistry. Zinc phosphate is a white powder which is commonly used as a corrosion inhibitor when applied to metallic surfaces.

Trizinc phosphate coats better on a crystalline structure when compared to a bare metal. Therefore, a seeding agent such as sodium pyrophosphate is frequently used as a pre-treatment.

Zinc phosphate Occurrence

Some of the different forms of Zinc orthophosphate are minerals such as hopeite and parahopeite. One similar mineral is tarbuttite, Zn₂(PO₄)(OH).

It originates from zinc phosphate cement. This cement is commonly used as a base for dental restorations. It is used for cementation of crowns, inlays, bridges, as a temporary restoration, and orthodontic appliances. It is made by mixing magnesium oxide and zinc oxide powders with a liquid which consists of phosphoric acid, buffers, and water.

Zinc phosphate structure – Zn₃(PO₄)₂

Properties of Zinc phosphate – Zn₃(PO₄)₂

Zn₃(PO₄)₂ Uses

• Zinc phosphate is used in dentistry.
• Used as a plating agent as well as a surface treating agent.
• Used in the making of rubber products.
• Used as an anti-scaling agent.
• Used in the manufacturing of dyes.
• Used as an additive in paints.
• Used as a corrosion inhibitor.
• Used in water treatment products.

Learn more about the Structure, physical and chemical properties of Zn₃(PO₄)₂ from the experts at BYJU’S.