Zinc Oxide (also called Zinc White) is an amorphous white or yellowish powder, insoluble in water and alcohol but soluble in acid and alkali. Zinc oxide particles may be spherical, acicular or nodular depending on the manufacturing process. The particle shape is important for maximizing physical properties. Zinc oxide absorbs virtually all UV light radiation at wavelengths below 360 nm and provides binders outstanding protection.  Zinc oxide reacts with acidic components of coatings and forms zinc soaps.  Zinc soaps improve the flexibility and hardness of coatings. It is used as a pigment in compounding rubber, as a white pigment in the ceramics industry, as an opaque base in cosmetics, and it has other applications in the paper, the paints and the optical glass industries.