Lead alloys provide a wide range of properties, from mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, and hardness, to chemical stability and electrical properties. Lead alloys are fairly light, about two-thirds the weight of steel, and are very malleable and easy to work with. Lead alloys are used in many different applications, ranging from industrial to recreational, from electrical components and radiation shielding, to ammunition and weighting down fishing nets.
Lead alloys are produced by combining lead and other metals and elements. The most common addition to lead is antimony, which is added to give lead alloys greater tensile strength, but it can also be combined with other metals such as tin, copper, and zinc to create different alloys with different properties.
Lead alloys are highly resistant to corrosion, making them desirable for use in applications where resistance to corrosion is necessary, such as industrial piping, boilers and vats. Lead alloys are also non-magnetic, making them ideal for creating electrical components. They are also resistant to high temperatures; unlike most other metals, lead alloys actually become stronger when exposed to heat, making them desirable for manufacturing items that may be exposed to high temperatures, such as turbine blades, bearings, and other engine parts.
Lead alloys are also used for radiation shielding. Lead has the highest atomic number of any element that does not undergo radioactive decay, making it an excellent material for shielding against radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays. Lead alloys are used in nuclear reactors, X-ray machines and other medical equipment, and airports.
Lead alloys are also commonly used in ammunition, and particularly in shot, which is used in shotguns. The use of lead alloys makes shot both heavy and dense, so that it will retain its shape and energy when fired and spread out in a consistent pattern. Lead alloys are also used in weights for deep sea fishing nets, because of their denseness and durability, as well as in the manufacture of automotive batteries.
Lead alloys are an incredibly versatile material, that can be used in a variety of different applications. They are lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, nonmagnetic, and even gain strength when exposed to heat, making them an ideal choice for items that will be exposed to intense conditions. Lead alloys are a popular choice for many industrial and recreational applications, and are sure to continue to be a staple material for many years to come.
