What is the likely outcome when utensils containing lead and sulfur mix with nickel while hot?

What is the likely outcome when utensils containing lead and sulfur mix with nickel while hot?

• A. Embrittlement or hot cracking
• B. Improved ductility
• C. Increased corrosion resistance
• D. No effect

Answer: (A)

High-temperature interactions of impurities with a metal can cause embrittlement of the material. When utensils containing lead and sulfur come into contact with nickel as they heat, sulfur tends to segregate to grain boundaries and can form brittle nickel sulfide. Lead can also create low-melting or liquid films at these boundaries. The combination weakens the grain boundaries and allows cracks to propagate under thermal or mechanical stress, leading to embrittlement or hot cracking. This is not a situation that would improve ductility or corrosion resistance, and it’s not a scenario with no effect.

High-temperature interactions of impurities with a metal can cause embrittlement of the material. When utensils containing lead and sulfur come into contact with nickel as they heat, sulfur tends to segregate to grain boundaries and can form brittle nickel sulfide. Lead can also create low-melting or liquid films at these boundaries. The combination weakens the grain boundaries and allows cracks to propagate under thermal or mechanical stress, leading to embrittlement or hot cracking. This is not a situation that would improve ductility or corrosion resistance, and it’s not a scenario with no effect.