Lead is the fifth most used metal in the world. The properties of lead that makes it useful in a wide variety of applications are density, malleability, lubricity, flexibility, electrical conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion, all of which are quite high; and elastic modulus, elastic limit, strength, hardness, and melting point, all of which are quite low.
The high density of lead (11.35 g/cm3) makes it very effective in shielding against X-rays and gamma radiation. The combination of high density, high limpness (low stiffness), and high damping capacity makes lead an excellent material for deadening sound and for isolating equipment and structures from mechanical vibrations. Lead also has good resistance to corrosion under a wide variety of conditions.
Application Note: Determination of Pb alloys with OE750
Lead and lead alloys, worldwide commodities, are toxic metals and must be handled with special care to prevent exposure. Lead is the most recycled metal. Over 50% of worldwide consumption is produced from recycled products. The most significant application of lead alloys is lead-acid storage batteries. Type metals is a class of metals used in the printing industry, generally consist of lead-antimony and tin alloys. Small amounts of copper are added to increase hardness for some applications. Lead alloys are generally melted and cast into molds to produce useful shapes. Lead in various forms and combinations is finding increased application as a material for controlling sound and mechanical vibrations.
Moreover, lead cable sheathing extruded around electrical power and communication cables gives the most durable protection against moisture and corrosion damage, and provides mechanical protection of the insulation. Chemical lead, antimonial lead, and arsenical lead are mostly employed for this purpose. Also, because of its corrosion resistance and flexibility, lead pipes find many uses in the chemical industry, in plumbing and water distribution systems. Solders in the tin lead system are the most widely used of all joining materials. The low melting range of tin-lead solders makes them ideal for joining most metals by convenient heating methods with little or no damage to heat-sensitive parts.
The OE750 is designed to meet the requirements of lead industries, especially those requiring lower detection limits for cadmium, antimony, mercury, iron and nickel but delivers as well high precision and accuracy for main alloying elements like silver, antimony and tin.
Download the application note for more information.
