Lead Bromide Crystal formation

Question

When I soak lead strips in a bromide acid flux I get crystals forming on the strips in about 24 hours.

What are the crystals and how do I prevent them from forming? Or what do you recommend I do to delay crystal formation as long a possible? If you need any more specific information I can provide it ([email protected])

Answer 1

Crystals tend to form when the concentration in your solution is high (so there is a high motivation for salts to crystallize out). So first try adding a little water to your flux. I don't know if that will decrease its usefulness if you do that, though.

Crystals also tend to form on imperfections, particles or scratches on the metal, so make sure your strips are clean and scratch free.

I'm not exactly sure what those crystals are, but lead compounds tend to be insoluble. My guess is that they are lead (II) bromide crystals, which are white and don't dissolve well in water.