In connection with the establishment of the most effective method for treating of lead anode slime, fundamental studies were made to enlighten the form of Bi, Sb, As and Ag in anode slime by X-ray analysis. The results obtained are as follows.
Slimes from Pb-Bi anodes.-Identification by X-ray diffraction showed that metallic Bi was present in these slimes. Metallic Pb was also detected in the slimes from low bismuth anodes.
Slimes from Pb-Bi-Sb anodes.-The existence of Bi-Sb solid solution, metallic Bi and Sb was determined.
Slimes from Pb-Bi-As anodes -The main constituents of these slimes were metallic As and Bi.
Slimes from Pb-Bi-Sb-Ag anodes-X-ray analysis revealed the presence of ε and ε phase of Ag-Sb alloy.
Slimes from Pb-Bi-As-Ag anodes-No intermediate phase was found. Metallic Bi, As and Ag were. contained in these slimes.
Slimes from lead electrolytic refinery.-The presence of ε, ε' phase of Ag-Sb alloy, crystalline As₂O₃, Bi-Sb solid solution and lead sulphate was confirmed. From the amount of water soluble As and X-ray analysis, the existence of amorphous As₂O₃ was suggested.