2. Chemical properties

Since ancient times, lead has been used for its passivity to corrosion. In general, it is highly resistant to the usual atmospheric agents, to chemical agents and to water, provided the latter is not so-called aggressive water, such as excessively pure water devoid of any mineralization, especially in the presence of oxygen, or water containing weak acids. Lead also holds up very well in seawater. For the manufacture of sulfuric acid, 99.985% pure lead is generally used.

Lead is also widely used in all chemical industries, whether for lining tanks, autoclaves or steel pipes. In most cases, the working temperature does not exceed 60°C. Lead's good resistance to H ₂ SO ₄ is essentially due to the formation of a protective layer of lead sulfate. Similarly, thanks to the formation...