Antimonial Lead is a hard alloy made from lead and between 1% and 10% antimony. Typically the percentage is of antimony is between 1 and 6%. When antimony is mixed with lead, the lead becomes firmer and harder. Because of the stronger properties that antimony add, it is unreactive, resists oxidation and corrosion in most environments, and forms a protective, impermeable film faster than pure lead. Antimony also allows lead to flow better during casting, ensuring that molten lead can fill every part of the mold without leaving voids. Antimonial lead in available in various forms, including ingots, anodes, tubes, wires, sheets, plates, and pigs.Â
Common Applications
Due to its strength and durability, antimonial lead has many industrial uses. Below is a list of some of the common antimonial lead applications.
- Wheel weights- Typically used to correct the imbalance in the weight distribution of the vehicles’ wheels.
- Bullet metal for leaded bullets typically consists of 2% tin, 6% antimony and 92% lead with a Brinell hardness of 15. This is the modern equivalent of Lyman #2 bullet alloys. Lead-free options are also available. Bullet metal is typically provided as antimonial lead ingots.
- Sheet lead for radiation shielding and roofing applications, adding hardness, strength and durability to the lead. Antimony contents of lead-antimony alloys are typically between 2% and 6%.
- Storage-battery plates – Used to enhance the hardness, strength and corrosion resistance of the lead grids.Â
- Tank linings – lead-antimony alloys are used to improve the corrosion resistance and strength, especially when handling acidic or corrosive materials.
- Cable Sheathing – Adding antimony increases the hardness and strength of the lead, making it more stronger and resistant to deformation.
- Manufacturing of pumps and valves – Antimony is added to the lead to improve the mechanical properties of the lead, making it stronger, particularly in where corrosive materials or high pressure is involved.