From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Inquiry regarding the use of lead paint to protect steel accumulator boxes from sulphuric acid corrosion.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 164\3\ img065 | |
| Date | 19th November 1937 | |
| Derby 2424 ------- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}3/AP. VR{E. S. Voller - Orders} 6021 November 19th 1937. White Lead Publicity Bureau, Rex House, 38 King William St.{Capt. P. R. Strong}, LONDON E.C.4. Dear Sirs, We recently became interested in the question of protecting steel against the corrosive action of sulphuric acid. Our problem is to provide the sheet steel boxes, which carry the lead-acid type of accumulator used by us, with a reliable but cheap protective coating. It has now occurred to us that a good quality lead paint, either brushed or sprayed on, would meet the case and we should be glad to have your opinion on this. The boxes on the outside are exposed to the open air and moisture, and are subject to a certain amount of abrasion from road mud and perhaps stones beating on them. The inner sides and top edges have mainly to cope with acid which may reach them in the form of a spray, or in bulk from an overflowing or leaky cell. From this it appears that our coating must be fairly tough, have a strong attachment to the steel and be able to withstand acid of about 1280 s.g. We should be pleased to have any information you can give on the subject. Also we should like to know whether you consider the metal should be cleaned, to remove any oil or grease it may have picked up in the machining process, before applying the paint. It would greatly assist us if you would address any reply for the attention of the undersigned, Chassis Electrical Laboratory. Yours faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||