The corrosion resistance of metallic lead has long been recognized, consequently, its use by industry in the form of protective linings and sheathing on more vulnerable materials has been and continues to be extensive. Because of its excellent resistance to corrosion by acid fumes and liquors, lead enjoys widespread application in the chemical industry for the construction or protection of chemical processing equipment. For similar reasons, lead is used throughout the electrical industry as a protective sheathing on underground cables used for communication and power transmission purposes.
As is the case with most metals, the corrosion resistance of lead is a relative property determined largely by the nature of the corroding environment, and by the chemical and electrochemical properties of the metal. So far as corrosion characteristics are concerned, the properties of lead which merit attention are:
The position of lead in the electromotive series suggests a relatively inert metal,...
