ANALYTICAL STUDY USING X-RAY DIFFRACTION METHODS AND HARDNESS TEST FOR LEAD-TIN ALLOY

Abstract

Structural and mechanical properties for lead-tin alloy have been studied by
employing the X-Ray diffraction methods and Vickers microhardness test. Three
samples were obtained, the first standard lead- tin sample, the second form recyleled
ingot of the alloy and the third prepared from the powder of recyeled ingot that was
vacuum capsuled and treated at 800 oC for 3 hours.The X-Ray diffraction spectra of
both recycled ingot and prepared alloy showed the appearance of a new stable phase
of tin oxide (SnO) with the tin (Sn) phase appear in preferred orientation dictated by
the technical route of preparation. Furthermore the grain size of lead and tin phases
were nearly identical though in the tin oxide phase, the grain size decreases to half
of that to lead and tin due to the defective nature of the SnO phase. Microhardness
test on the three samples reveal an increase in the mechanical strength as a result of
the presence of tin oxide phase that acts as a mechanical strengthener via dispersion
strengthening.