Research Progress on Ancient Bronze Corrosion in Different Environments and Using Different Conservation Techniques: A Review. (20th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zhongchi; Li, Yang; Jiang, Xudong; Pan, Chunxu
• Is Part Of: MRS advances. Volume 2:Number 37/38(2017)
• Page Start: 2033
• Page End: 2041
• Publication Date: 2017-02-20
• Subjects: corrosion, -- archaeology, -- alloy; Electrical engineering -- Congresses; Physics -- Congresses; Materials -- Research -- Congresses; Materials science -- Congresses; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1557/adv.2017.222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-8521

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Ancient Chinese bronzes are precious cultural relics. Their surfaces are often severely damaged by dynamic changes in the external environment, both before and after they are unearthed. Therefore, scientific research has been required to preserve these treasures. In recent years, along with the development of modern science and technology, innovative instrumental analytical techniques have become indispensable tools to study corrosion phenomena as well as to evaluate post-excavation conservation techniques. In this paper, we present an overview of bronze corrosion processes in various environments, including analysis of the types of corrosion, mechanisms of formation and factors that influence bronze corrosion products. In addition, we compare the characteristics of corrosion products that have formed on archaeological sites, in tombs, and in museums. Lastly, we introduce some novel techniques for bronze protection, and we propose the focus for future research. Our expectation is that this review will provide a scientific basis for bronze preservation.