Zinc 

Zinc is found as a chemical compound in nature, but not as pure zinc. It is commonly used as a raw material for castings and coatings. Being easily oxidized by the atmosphere, it offers excellent corrosion resistance. Today many automobile body parts are galvanized with zinc for protection against corrosion. 

Zinc is significantly used in a wide spectrum of industrial applications such as its installation as ´sacrificial´ anode for marine engines, galvanizing steel against corrosion, in die casting of intricate machine parts, in making of batteries and for other electrical applications, as water resistance, as roof flashing, and other scientific purposes. As a compound, it is used to assist in the production of ceramic glaze, pharmaceuticals, paint, cosmetics, rubber and etc. Zinc is mostly alloyed with other metals such as aluminium, copper, titanium, magnesium and others, before use in order to improve its properties. 

The installation of zinc as a ´sacrificial´ anode for marine engines is an unique application. This application takes advantage of zinc´s ability to transfer its corrosion resistance properties by way of electrical contact. The anodes made of almost pure zinc are being bolted to aluminum marine engines. During operation in salt water environment, oxidation takes place and a weak electrical current is formed which may corrode the hull and engine parts. As zinc is easily oxidized in the presence of this electrical current, it ´sacrifices´ itself by corroding quickly, thereby consuming all of the electrical imbalance in the ship. As a result, the rest of the aluminum hull and the engine are not corroded. As it is being consumed in the process, the zinc anode must be replaced to ensure continued protecti