Corroding lead

Dilute (0-1n-0-001n) acetic, propionic, butyric, succinic and lactic acids all corrode lead to about the same extent. Pyruvic acid appears to inhibit corrosion after a short period of attack. In most cases the corrosion products are x PbCOj, y Pb(OH)2, the ratio of ar to being 2 1, and corrosion is intergranular . ... 

PbOx phases with x between 1.42 and 1.58 can be formed by oxidation of PbO (cf. Ref. [5J, p. 18). It is assumed that such compounds are formed underneath the protecting Pb02 layer at a corroding lead surface (cf. Fig. 8). 

An explosive variety (or compound) of arsenic was produced as a surface layer on the exposed iron surfaces of a corroded lead-lined vessel which contained 35% sulfuric... 

Fig. 6.2 Cross section of a corroded lead artifact before reduction (left) the different regions are (1) the porous corrosion patch, (2) some metal veins, (3) the metal core and (4) the electrolyte. Time-elapsed optical images (a-h) of the same section (right) during the reduction of the corrosion layer (from [303])...

Schotte B (2007) A study of the electrolytic reduction of corroded lead objects and the apph-cation, characterization and testing of a protective lead carboxylate coating, PhD dissertation Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (https //archive.ugent.be/handle/1854/8316). 

An explosive variety (or compound) of arsenic was produced as a surface layer on the exposed iron surfaces of a corroded lead-lined vessel which contained 35% sulfuric acid with a high arsenic content. It exploded on friction or ignition, and contained no hydrogen, but variable small amount of iron and lead. It may have been analogous to explosive antimony. 

The four forms of lead are pure lead, also known as corroding lead (99.94%), common lead (99.94%), chemical lead (99.99) and acid-copper lead (99.99%). The resistance of lead to sulfuric acid enables its use in batteries. It is also used as sheet and pipe in buildings. The main use is as a solder material in the electronics industry. 

Lead is immune to distilled water free from C02 and oxygen. Air free from C02 in distilled water corrodes lead. In presence of C02 a film of basic lead carbonate in formed, which prevents further attack. The successful use of lead pipe coils for steam boiler applications depends on the use of pure water condensate, which is free from oxygen and carbon dioxide. In the event of the presence of oxygen, oxygen scavengers such as hydrazine or sodium sulfite together with cobalt nitrate may be used. 

Livid blue flame (wire slowly corroded). Lead, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, copper. 

First practical lead-acid battery, corroded lead foils to form active material... 

---