The Mass Transfer Properties of Various Metals and Alloys in Liquid Lead Available to Purchase

The relative resistance to mass transfer in liquid lead of 24 metals and alloys were measured. Tests were performed in small quartz thermal convection loops. The test temperature was about 800 C with a thermal gradient of 300 C existing across the loops. Of the metals and alloys studied, only columbium and molybdenum exhibited a high resistance to mass transfer. Nickel and nickel-rich alloys were highly susceptible to mass transfer. Evidence is presented to show that alloys in which a tendency toward intermetallic compound formation exists show a higher resistance to mass transfer in liquid lead than do their pure metal components.