Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Metals Conservation Summer Institute May 27- June 7, 2006, Worcester, MA, USA Valentin Boissonnas, HEAA Arc, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
1. Traditional techniques and materials 2. The first conservation research centres 3. Chronological survey of concepts and techniques
1. Traditional techniques and materials 2. The first conservation research centres 3. Chronological survey of concepts and techniques
Corrosion, patina, original surface
1. Traditional techniques and materials 2. The first conservation research centres 3. Chronological survey of concepts and techniques
Corrosion, patina, original surface Conservation treatments of bronzes
1. Traditional techniques and materials 2. The first conservation research centres 3. Chronological survey of concepts and techniques
Corrosion, patina, original surface Conservation treatments of bronzes Conservation treatments of iron
Traditional products and techniques used on metal artefacts aimed at maintaining their function and preventing their deterioration
Traditional products and techniques used on metal artefacts aimed at maintaining their function and preventing their deterioration Mechanical treatments: Riveting, soldering, polishing Chemical treatments: dissolution of corrosion products (vinegar, lemon juice, oxalic acid, etc.) Protective coatings: prevention of atmospheric corrosion after cleaning (paints, lacquers, resins, metallic coatings)
Schliemann
Milkau
Schliemann
Rathgen
Boissonnas Boissonnas
Van Langh
Boissonnas
Rathgen
Rathgen
Boissonnas
Brittner
Mallowan
Williams
Brittner
Rathgen
Born
Rathgen
British Museum
Carter
Schorsch
British Museum
Plenderleith Born
Boissonnas
Rathgen
1950-Today
1950-Today
Corrosion: Corrosion Increasing awareness of corrosion crusts and the concept of original surface. For France-Lanord and surface Eichhorn preservation of original surface has priority over stabilization.
Organ
But only in 1990ies the original surface is defined as the surface that represents the object when abandoned. Bertholon (2000) abandoned defines the original surface more precisely as limitos, that can be located with the help of markers. markers
Boissonnas
1950-Today
Electrolytic treatments of copper alloys: alloys 1956 Plenderleith still recommends the use of electrolytic reduction in sodium hydroxide. Most unfortunately this harsh method is still used today on some excavations and in labs that lack trained personnel.
Boissonnas
1950-Today
Electrolytic treatments of copper alloys: alloys In the 70ies France-Lanord proposes electrolytic reduction with low current. Increases removal of chlorides without stripping current corrosion products. EDF pushes technique further for treating marine bronzes under cathodic protection in sodium sesquicarbonate. This treatment has been adapted as standard treatment for marine bronzes. The measurement of the corrosion potential of the object with a reference electrode allows a precise and controlled reduction of only unwanted corrosion products (chlorides).
Pennec
1950-Today
Electrolytic treatments of lead and silver alloys: alloys Consolidative reduction of very corroded lead also uses a low current, preventing hydrogen bubbling and reducing acidifies corrosion products to metallic lead. In the 90ies potentiostatic reduction helps refining this technique. After 2nd World War, mineralized silver is also converted into metallic particles by electrolytic reduction.
ArcAntique
1950-Today
Chemical cleaning of copper alloys: alloys Various complexing agents and acids were used, such as Alcaline Rochelle salt, Calgon, ammonium hydroxide, EDTA, sodium hydroxide, citric acid, formic acid and sulfuric acid. All these products can etch copper alloys and if not properly used. Most research went into improving these existing recipes and changing to less aggressive chemicals. Sodium tripolyphosphate (replaced Calgon), EDTA, alcaline dithionite (for chlorinated marine bronzes), sodium dithiolate (for copper sulfates), formic acid.
Boissonnas
1950-Today
Stabilization of copper alloys: alloys 1967 Madsen introduces Benzotriazole (BTA), a corrosion inhibitor developed for the copper industry. Widely adopted by the conservation community. The most recent studies use it in combination with another corrosion inhibitor, AMT.
Madsen
1950-Today
Protective coatings for copper alloys: alloys New protective coatings appeared after the 2nd World War such as Frigilene and Ercalene (nitrocellulose lacquers). Bedacryl (butyral methacrylate) and soluble nylon both proved insoluble after a while. All these polymers were were replaced by acrylic resins such as Paraloid (in US Arcyloid) as well as combined with stabilizing agents (Incralac). On outdoor bronzes microcrystalline waxes are still used today.
J. Scott
1950-Today
Cleaning of iron The introduction and adaptation of air abrasive cleaning with various abrasive powders (aluminium oxide, sodium bicarbonate, walnut shells etc.) improved cleaning techniques tremendously. X-ray radiography and tomography greatly improved assessing and cleaning of corroded iron.
Boissonnas
1950-Today
Stabilization of iron 1964 Hydrogen reduction is first used for the conservation of iron finds from the Vasa. These heat treatment involves temperatures of up to 850C.
Pearson
Successful for stabilization of cast iron artefacts, but much metallurgical information is destroyed. Replaced by controlled electrolytic reduction techniques.
Pearson
1950-Today
Stabilization of iron Hydrogen gas plasma emerges in the 80ies as the ideal treatment for large amounts of artefacts. The created hydrogen plasma is highly reactive and reduces iron oxides. Proved not effective enough to reduce all chlorides. Today it is still used in some labs as a pre-treatment before desalination and mechanical cleaning.
Boissonnas
1950-Today
Stabilization of iron 1984 EDF sets up a research programme advocating electrolytic techniques. Cast and wrought iron is treated, but also non-conducting materials such as leather, wood, paper or porcelain. 1987 The Titanic is discovered and 1800 items are conserved at EDF using innovative electrolytic techniques.
Lacoudre
1950-Today
Stabilization of iron Electrolytic techniques have greatly improved and the use of reference electrodes has given us safe tools to work with. They are currently also used in situ to monitor and stabilize submerged iron artefacts.
Lacoudre
ArcAntique
1950-Today
Stabilization of iron A new desalination method using alcaline sulfite baths was introduced in the late 70ies and has been widely adapted for chloride contaminated archaeological iron. This method breaks down insoluble chloride containing products, such as akaganite.
Boissonnas
1950-Today
Adhesives & protective coatings for iron After 2nd World War, epoxy resins are widely used in conservation of all materials due to their strength and durability. They replace traditional soldering methods that often damaged the patina and were highly irreversible. However, epoxy resins once cured, cannot be dissolved. Much iron was consolidated and glued with epoxies such as Araldite. Today we struggle with such objects that have not undergone desalination, as they continue to break up, but cannot be retreated. Lacquers are still in use, mostly acrylic polymers such as Paraloid (Acryloid) for indoor iron artefacts. Outdoors epoxy resins or polyurethane resins are used for their durability.
1950-Today
Preventive conservation of metals
1950-Today
Preventive conservation of metals Dessicants and barrier films: Silica gel, ESCAL foils
Wallert
1950-Today
Preventive conservation of metals Dessicants and barrier films: Silica gel, ESCAL foils Oxygen scavengers: Ageless, RP System
Boissonnas Wallert
1950-Today
Preventive conservation of metals Dessicants and barrier films: Silica gel, ESCAL foils Oxygen scavengers: Ageless, RP System Pollution scavengers: Activated charcoal, impregnated textiles,
Wallert
1950-Today
Preventive conservation of metals Dessicants and barrier films: Silica gel, ESCAL foils Oxygen scavengers: Ageless, RP System Pollution scavengers: Activated charcoal, impregnated textiles, Pollutant identification: Oddy test, Beilstein test, ..
Boissonnas
Tomorrow?
Boissonnas
Selwyn
Tomorrow? Achieve better understanding of corrosion mechanisms Achieve better understanding of current treatments, develop new and safer methods
Boissonnas
Tomorrow? Achieve better understanding of corrosion mechanisms Achieve better understanding of current treatments, develop new and safer methods Deal with an ever increasing mass of previously conserved and freshly excavated objects
Boissonnas
Tomorrow? Achieve better understanding of corrosion mechanisms Achieve better understanding of current treatments, develop new and safer methods Deal with an ever increasing mass of previously conserved and freshly excavated objects Improve standards and facilitate access to education and training in conservation
Boissonnas
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