Research Progress on Ancient Bronze Corrosion in Different Environments and Using Different Conservation Techniques: A R
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Research Progress on Ancient Bronze Corrosion in Different Environments and Using Different Conservation Techniques: A Review Zhongchi Wang¹, Yang Li², Xudong Jiang³ and Chunxu Pan¹ ¹School of Physics and Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China ²School of History, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China ³Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, Hubei 430077, China 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. INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM STATEMENT Ancient Chinese bronzes are widely believed to be gems of Chinese culture that possess precious historical, scientific and artistic value. Experiments, however, have shown that structural defects and continuously changing external environments greatly threaten the appearance and value of the metallic artifacts due to the formation of various types of surface corrosion products [1]. Generally, corrosion products can be classified in several different ways: (1) according to color differences, because the bronze matrix is covered with different colored coatings or patinas, (2) according to the cations or anions of the corrosion compounds or minerals [2], (3) according to the microstructure of the corrosion layers that consist of the matrix layer, the transition layer and the corrosion layer or layers, and (4) according to the impact of the corrosion products on the conservation of metallic artifacts that are classified as harmful or harmless [3]. The generation and development of surface corrosion layers greatly threatens the stability of ancient bronzes. Our most urgent task is to preserve the artistic value and scientific knowledge of ancient cultural relics. Modern techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN) [4, 5], Xray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) [6], electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) [7], and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) [8], have been utilized successfully for in-depth analysis of corrosion products that formed in various different environments. In addition, effective
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