Abstract
Historical and cultural metal artifacts undergo deterioration over time due to various environmental factors and corrosion mechanisms. Parameters such as the alloy’s chemical composition, microstructure, and the corrosive conditions of the burial environment significantly influence both the chemical composition and the natural patina that develops on these objects over long periods.
Corrosion occurs in different forms, resulting in a variety of corrosion morphologies. One of the most significant corrosion mechanisms affecting historical bronze artifacts is decuprification (selective dissolution of copper), which produces different corrosion morphologies depending on the aggressiveness of the burial environment and the corrosion rate.
In this study, several bronze artifacts excavated from the archaeological site of Haft Tappeh, Khuzestan, Iran, were investigated to examine the decuprification process using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The results demonstrate that decuprification played a significant role in the development of a distinct corrosion morphology in the Haft Tappeh samples. The analyses also confirmed the occurrence of a secondary corrosion mechanism commonly associated with archaeological bronze artifacts.
Research Areas: Art Conservation, Cultural Heritage Conservation, Archaeometallurgy, Corrosion Science, Materials Characterization
Keywords: Historical Bronze, Corrosion Morphology, Decuprification, Selective Dissolution, Archaeometallurgy, XRD, SEM–EDS, Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Authors: Omid Oudbashi, Seyed Mohammad Amin Emami, Parviz Davami
Journal: Iranian Journal of Conservation and Restoration of Historical and Cultural Heritage
Volume 1, Issue 1 (Spring–Summer 2011)
Pages: 83–95
Publication Link: https://www.ensani.ir/fa/article/477451/ریخت-شناسی-خوردگی-در-برنزهای-تاریخی-تحلیل-فرآیند-مس-زدایی-در-اشیا-برنزی-هفت-تپه-خوزستان