When lead is overheated beyond its melting point, it becomes molten lead, and if heated further, it vaporizes into lead vapor. The discussion highlights that overheating can lead to the formation of a hard, brittle residue, often due to the presence of antimony, especially if the lead originated from sources like wheel weights or lead-acid batteries. The chemical properties of lead remain unchanged despite its physical state, but impurities and alloying elements can alter its characteristics. Safety precautions are emphasized, particularly regarding the inhalation of toxic vapors and the handling of potentially hazardous materials.
PREREQUISITESMetallurgists, chemists, safety officers, and hobbyists involved in metalworking or electronics who seek to understand the implications of overheating lead and its alloys.
chemisttree said:If you got your "lead" from wheel weights or lead acid batteries, the hard brittle stuff left over when you distill out the lead is antimony. Antimony is hard, silver to gray and brittle. It will cause contact dermatitis, conjunctivitus (pink eye), nasal ulceration. Bad JU JU! Keep it away from any of your hydrogen experiments since it will form extremely toxic, volatile hydrides.
Find the Merck Index at your local College library and make friends with it.
Just a note... I hope that when you are doing this kind of stuff you aren't inhaling or you are using a good hood. A garage with a few open doors really won't cut it.