Primary Lead (Pure Lead) is produced directly from mined lead ores, primarily galena (PbS), through smelting and refining. With purity levels ranging from 99.9% to 99.99% Pb, it delivers predictable behavior and consistent chemical performance.
Unlike recycled lead, primary lead offers superior impurity control, making it essential for chemical processing, radiation shielding, electrical systems, and lead-acid battery applications.
Typical Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 99.90 – 99.99 |
| Silver (Ag) | ≤ 0.005 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.002 |
| Bismuth (Bi) | ≤ 0.001 |
| Antimony (Sb) | ≤ 0.001 |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 0.001 |
| Tin (Sn) | Trace |
Key Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 12 – 17 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 5 – 10 MPa |
| Elongation | 40 – 60% |
| Hardness (HB) | 4 – 6 |
| Elastic Modulus | ~16 GPa |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 11.34 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 327.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1749 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~35 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~4.8 MS/m |
| Radiation Shielding | Outstanding |
Applications
• Lead-acid batteries and electrodes
• Radiation shielding (X-ray, nuclear, radiography)
• Chemical tanks, linings, and reactors
• Roofing, soundproofing, vibration damping
• Counterweights and ballast
Advantages
✔ Extremely high purity and consistency
✔ Outstanding corrosion resistance
✔ Superior radiation shielding capability
✔ Excellent formability and castability
Limitations & Safety
❌ Very low mechanical strength
❌ Creep under sustained load
❌ Toxic – requires strict handling and compliance