Evaluation of corrosion potential measurements as a means to monitor the storage and stabilization processes of archaeological copper-based artifacts

摘要

The focus of this study consists of examining how corrosion potential measurements can contribute in providing information on the effectiveness of storage and stabilization treatments of copper alloys in aqueous solutions. We report on the electrochemical behavior of artificial copper alloy coupons (covered or not with corrosion layers), simulating the behavior of real artifacts, immersed in sodium sesquicarbonate solutions. Particular attention is given to the transformation of the corrosion layer as a function of time. In addition, synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction measurements are performed before and after the treatment in order to understand the reactions that take place during the immersion processes.