CHARACTERISATION OF NON-METALLIC INCLUSIONS IN Pb-Ca-Sn ALLOYS

Maja Vončina; Jožef Medved; Gregor Šegel; Tilen Balaško

doi:10.17222/mit.2024.1119

Maja Vončina University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department for Materials and Metallurgy, Aškerčeva 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Jožef Medved Oddelek za materiale in metalurgijo, Naravoslovnotehniške fakultete, Univerze v Ljubljani, Slovenija
Gregor Šegel MPI-reciklaža metalurgija, plastika in inženiring d.o.o., Žerjav 79, 2393 Črna na Koroškem, Slovenia
Tilen Balaško University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department for Materials and Metallurgy, Aškerčeva 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17222/mit.2024.1119

Keywords: Pb-Ca-Sn alloys, non-metallic inclusions, differential scanning calorimetry

Abstract

Non-metallic inclusions in two Pb-Ca-Sn lead alloys used in the manufacture of lead-acid batteries were investigated and categorised. Samples of recycled lead alloys were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This technique enabled the analysis of the chemical composition of the alloys and the identification of non-metallic inclusions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the presence of non-metallic inclusions in two different recycled alloys. Non-metallic inclusions in lead alloys are detrimental, negatively impacting both the casting process and the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the alloys. Results indicate that oxide inclusions are predominant in Pb-Ca-Sn alloys. Non-metallic inclusions with stoichiometric compositions of PbO₂, Pb₂O₃, Al₂O₃, and CaO were identified. Most of these inclusions were found near the surface of a sample, i.e., in the area most exposed to the atmosphere. The introduction of a protective atmosphere during the melting process could significantly reduce the occurrence of non-metallic inclusions.

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CHARACTERISATION OF NON-METALLIC INCLUSIONS IN Pb-Ca-Sn ALLOYS

Abstract

References

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