Lead – key facts about this Versatile Material
Lead is with us throughout our day-to-day lives. This Versatile Material is not just found on roofs, in radiation protection and in building machinery. The modern telecommunications and high-tech fields would not be possible without lead. And it will stay this way in the future.
Looking at the many positive properties of this material, it soon becomes clear what makes lead so indispensable.
Lead protects
Lead has an exceptionally high density. This makes lead an ideal material for effective radiation protection. It is why, for example, lead shielding is used during X-rays to protect the parts of the body, which should not be exposed to the radiation. Smaller quantities of lead are also used to shield from diagnostic or therapeutic sources of radiation, when whole rooms are clad and insulated with the material. Even the X-ray film can't manage without lead. A wafer-thin layer of lead provides a clearer picture. This allows the smallest changes to be recognised and treated early.
Lead is beautiful
Its low melting point and ease of shaping inspire creativity. In the area of stained glass, for example, this material provides a firm and stable link between the individual panes; its resistance to corrosion means that it is not affected by the weather conditions. This property also comes in useful for trophies, where lead often lies beneath the gleaming surface. Other good reasons for using the material are of course, that it is very suitable for casting, and it has a comparatively favourable price.
Even crystal clear glass can contain lead. Lead does not just improve the brilliance of the glass. Lead glass can also be shaped better and is easier to cut.
Lead provides power
Almost everything we use to get around uses lead in some way. Lead batteries get cars, lorries, buses, boats, construction machinery, motorbikes, electric wheelchairs and railway engines off to a good start, because lead is particularly conductive and stores energy. This also means that lead batteries are capable of supplying any type of electrical or electronic equipment in case of high energy demands or working as an emergency power supply. Battery products have another advantage: battery-powered forklifts do not give off any harmful gases.
Lead is also particularly important in the car industry for making shock absorbers, which prevent vibrations (e.g. in the transmission).
Lead stabilises
Lead has a high specific weight. This comes to bear in racing cars, for example, when lead weights can improve cornering. Special lead stabilisers are also used for buildings to stabilise the foundations. Under the influence of powerful dynamic forces, such as an earthquake, the lead stabilisers bend because they are ductile, but they do not break, and they take the strain off the otherwise static foundations.
Lead bonds
Modern information and communications technology without lead would be unthinkable. Lead is not just used in the production of electronic components, but also for insulating and casing electrical and special cables. Electrical and electronic components in television sets are soldered with an alloy of tin and lead. And the images we receive on our TV's could not tell their story either without this all-round material because, for a long time now, lead crystal has been the unanimous choice for making optical glass as well as special lenses for cameras.
Lead covers
Lead has been proving its value for decades as a roofing material. Its high resistance to corrosion and UV make it an excellent material for chimney flashings, seals, cladding for roofs and façades. Even under extreme weather conditions, it stands out for its long life and enduringly neat appearance.
Lead insulates
General noise levels are rising. To combat noise systematically, lead is indispensable, for example soundproofing for façades, at the joints between walls or for soundproofing hoods.
Lead conserves
Lead is a natural material and easy to recycle. Its recycling quota of almost 100% is extremely high. Lead also plays an important role in the development of alternative energy sources. High-performance lead batteries store the energy obtained from wind, water and the sun.
Lead provides reliable protection for the environment against hazardous materials. This heavy material is impervious to gases, radiation and liquids. Leaded containers make the transport of hazardous materials much safer.
