Effect of antimony addition relative to microstructure and mechanical properties of continuous cast lead alloy

It is well documented that the addition of antimony in pure lead increases tensile strength and reduced elongation. The goal of the present work is to identify the cause of these phenomena by investigation of the effects of the addition of Sb (1.25 wt.%) on the structure of pure continuously cast lead and lead alloy rods. The microstructure and morphology of both pure lead and lead with 1.25 wt.% antimony were examined by digital optical microscope and scanning electron microscope respectively.