Red Lead, also named Lead (II,IV) Oxide (Pb₃O₄), is an orange-red inorganic powder. Widely used in anti-corrosion coatings, ceramic glazes, glass manufacturing. Learn specifications, safety standards, storage and bulk sourcing tips.
What Is Red Lead (Lead (II,IV) Oxide)? Properties, Applications & Safety Buying Guide
Introduction
Lead (II,IV) Oxide, chemical formula Pb₃O₄, commonly known as Red Lead. It is a bright orange-red lead oxide powder with stable crystal structure under normal temperature. Red lead is a traditional industrial raw material famous for excellent anti-rust performance and high-temperature tinting capacity.
Due to containing lead components, red lead belongs to hazardous materials. Global purchasers must comply with local environmental regulations, import restrictions and occupational safety standards during transportation, production and usage. Industrial grades are classified by purity, particle size and impurity content for different manufacturing scenarios.
Basic Physical & Chemical Information
- Chemical Name: Lead (II,IV) Oxide
- Common Name: Red Lead / Red Lead Oxide
- Formula: Pb₃O₄
- CAS No.: 1314-41-6
- Appearance: Orange-red fine powder
- Insoluble in water, soluble in hot concentrated hydrochloric acid
- Typical purity specification: 97%, 98%, 99%
- Decomposes at high temperature; reacts with acids easily
Main Industrial Applications
1. Anti-Corrosion Primer for Steel Structure
This is the largest application field. Red lead anti-rust paint provides outstanding protective performance for steel ships, bridges, pipelines and metal equipment to prevent rust and oxidation.
2. Ceramic & Enamel Glaze Additive
Red lead works as flux and color modifier in ceramic glazes and enamel products. It lowers melting point and improves surface smoothness of finished wares.
3. Glass Industry Raw Material
It is used to produce lead glass, radiation shielding glass and special optical glass, enhancing glass density and light shielding ability.
4. Battery & Electronic Materials
Qualified red lead can be applied in the manufacturing of lead-acid battery plates and certain electronic ceramic components.
5. Manufacturing of Other Lead Compounds
Used as base raw material for producing various lead salts and industrial lead chemicals.
Grade Selection Guide
- Anti-rust coating industry: 97% ~ 98% industrial red lead is the mainstream choice
- Ceramic & enamel production: Select 98%~99% grade with low impurity content
- Special glass & electronic materials: Require high purity 99% Red Lead
Critical Safety, Storage & Operation Guidance
⚠️ Important Reminder: Red Lead is toxic lead compound.
- Store in fully sealed packages, dry and isolated warehouse. Keep away from food, feed and living areas.
- Operators must wear respirators, protective gloves and safety goggles; avoid skin contact and dust inhalation.
- Separate from strong acids, combustible materials during storage.
- Comply with international hazardous goods regulations for sea and land transportation. Complete SDS, hazardous goods declaration documents are mandatory.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between Red Lead and Litharge (Lead Monoxide)?
Red Lead (Pb₃O₄) is orange-red powder, mainly used for anti-corrosive paint. Litharge (PbO, yellow lead oxide) is yellow powder, widely used as ceramic flux. They have different chemical composition and application directions.
Q2: Are there import restrictions on red lead in many countries?
Yes. Many regions implement strict lead-containing chemical control policies. Buyers need to confirm local environmental laws before placing bulk orders.
Q3: Can red lead be customized into different particle sizes?
Professional suppliers can supply standard powder and fine powder grades to meet coating and ceramic production requirements.
Conclusion
Red Lead (Lead (II,IV) Oxide / Pb₃O₄) maintains irreplaceable advantages in metal anti-corrosion coatings and ceramic manufacturing. However, toxicity and environmental compliance must be the top priority for every buyer. When sourcing bulk red lead, verify purity indicators, hazardous goods logistics solutions and complete certification documents. Contact us for COA, technical data and bulk quotation.