Pure Lead, designated under UNS L50000–L50099, represents high-purity, unalloyed lead with lead content typically ≥ 99.9% Pb. These grades are valued for exceptional corrosion resistance, radiation shielding capability, chemical stability, and extreme softness.
Pure lead is chosen for function-driven applications where density, chemical resistance, and shielding performance are critical and mechanical strength is not required.
Microstructure & Metallurgical Behavior
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) |
| Microstructure | Large equiaxed grains |
| Strengthening | None (pure metal) |
| Work Hardening | Very low |
| Heat Treatment | No response; recrystallizes near room temperature |
Metallurgical Insight: Lead remains soft even after cold work due to rapid recovery and recrystallization, making strengthening impractical.
Corrosion & Chemical Resistance
Pure lead exhibits excellent resistance to:
✔ Sulfuric acid (lead-acid batteries)
✔ Phosphoric acid
✔ Dilute hydrochloric acid
✔ Industrial atmospheres
✔ Soil corrosion
Limitations:
❌ Poor resistance to nitric acid
❌ Poor resistance to strong oxidizing agents
Protective lead sulfate or oxide films form naturally and inhibit further attack.
Fabrication, Processing & Refining
| Process | Performance |
|---|---|
| Rolling | Excellent |
| Extrusion | Excellent |
| Casting | Excellent |
| Machining | Easy but smears |
| Soldering | Excellent |
| Lead Burning (Gas Welding) | Excellent |
Refining is performed via pyrometallurgical or electrolytic processes, often integrated with trace silver recovery.
Available Forms
Sheets & plates
Pipes & tubes
Bars & ingots
Foils
Lead wool & shot
Key Characteristics
✔ Extremely soft and flexible
✔ Very high density
✔ Outstanding radiation shielding
✔ Excellent vibration and sound damping
✔ High acid corrosion resistance
✔ Low melting temperature
Applications
Chemical Industry
Acid tanks and linings, chemical reactors, pickling tanks
Energy & Power
Lead-acid batteries, cable sheathing, power plant shielding
Radiation Shielding
Nuclear facilities, medical X-ray & CT rooms, industrial radiography
Construction
Roofing sheets, flashings, expansion joints, soundproofing layers
Defense & Ballistics
Ammunition cores, counterweights
Advantages of Pure Lead
✔ Superior corrosion resistance to sulfuric acid
✔ Exceptional radiation shielding efficiency
✔ Easily formed into complex shapes
✔ Long service life in chemical environments
✔ Highly recyclable material
Why Choose Pure Lead (L50000–L50099)?
Choose pure lead when radiation protection is critical, chemical resistance to acids is required, high density is beneficial, and low mechanical strength is acceptable.
Engineering Summary:
Pure Lead is not a structural metal — it is a functional material selected for
density, corrosion resistance, shielding, and chemical stability that few other
materials can match.