Zinc

Zinc, a foundational metal, is predominantly utilized in the galvanization process to protect steel from corrosion. Beyond this, zinc alloys, such as brass, play a crucial role in diverse applications ranging from corrosion-resistant marine components to musical instruments. Zinc possesses four primary physical properties: strength, toughness, ductility, and conductivity. While zinc is not commonly used in load-bearing applications due to its relatively weak tensile strength compared to mild carbon steel, it finds application in cost-effective die-casting for mechanical parts. Pure zinc tends to be brittle, but zinc alloys exhibit high impact strength, especially in comparison to other die-casting alloys. 

At temperatures between 212-302°F, zinc becomes ductile and malleable, reverting to a brittle state at elevated temperatures. Zinc alloys improve upon this property, enabling the use of more intricate fabrication methods. Although zinc's conductivity is moderate for a metal, its robust electrochemical properties are advantageous in processes like galvanization and the production of alkaline batteries. 

On the London Metal Exchange (LME), zinc is traded under "Special High Grade" contracts, guaranteeing a minimum purity of 99.995% in 25-ton ingots. Alternatively, it is traded as "High Grade" for 99.980% and higher purity