[scott]

Does Zinc have any lubricating abilities? Im needing it to be a light lubricant  and then when dry, adhere itself to what was being lubricated. If not what can It be mixed with to make it a light lubricant and not lose its ability to adhere once dry?

[eugenedakin]

Hello Scott,

Yes, Zinc has very slight lubricating abilities.  When added as zinc chloride, the chloride portion is a better lubricant.  I am not sure what you mean by the term 'adhere'.  

Liquids with poor lubrication ability may adhere to the metal, but under heat and pressure the metal is removed in larger concentrations commonly called pits.  Chloride based molecules 'adhere' to the metal but remove a fraction of the metal in a 'controlled' manner.  Controlled removal of metal is the main purpose for lubricant additives.

Feel free to ask more questions if I didnt explain this clearly.

Eugene