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p>In this paper, a study of the corrosion products formed on archaeological bronze artefacts excavated in Tharros (Sardinia, Italy) is presented. The investigation was carried out by means of the combination of different analytical techniques, including optical microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy (µ-RS), scanning electron microscopy coupled with e...
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Context 1
... is currently an archaeological site near the village of San Giovanni di Sinis, municipality of Cabras, in the province of Oristano. It is located on the southern shore of the Sinis peninsula, which forms the northern cape of the Bay of Oristano, as shown in Figure 1. The Phoenicians populated the area during the 8 th century BC, and then the city was governed by Carthaginians until the Roman conquest in the 3 rd century BC 5], [6. ...
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Citations
... Cuprite is the initial product formed in the corrosion process of copper-based alloys and generally constitutes the layer most adhered to the alloy surface [10]. The attribution of peaks corresponding to cuprite is supported by the literature [13]. ...
This work reports the study of metal fragments from Roman pipes excavated from the archaeological site of Pompeii and currently preserved in the deposits of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN). The Roman pipe, called the tibia, is a reed wind musical instrument similar to the Greek aulos. It can be made of wood, bone, and/or metal. Materials consisting of metal Cu-based alloys were excavated from archaeological burial environments. This research aims to identify the composition of the alloys, characterize the corrosion patinas, and identify any ancient surface treatments on the fragments. Non-invasive and micro-invasive techniques were used to achieve this aim, i.e., optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the materials and manufacturing techniques used for these instruments, as well as the degradation processes occurring over the centuries.
... Mineralogical and micromorphological characterization is often performed in archaeological contests taking advantage of thin-section optical mineralogy, allowing to per- form petrographic studies to characterize the minerals and many other physical features that are present in the fabric of the artifact or sediment. On the other hand, other techniques are used to study archaeological materials, such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD), electron microscopy, X-Rays fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), FTIR, and Raman Spectroscopy [4], [5], [6]. It is worth noticing that even if the potential of these methods proved to be useful, some of them may present significant limitations. ...
This paper presents a study of treatment by soldering for a unique bronze oil lamp combined with Eros and dog figurines. In this object, there are two types of soldering; the first is ancient, used to join the three pieces together, and the other is used in conservation treatments to stop the degradation of the object. Soft solders have been a modern method of repair, with its historical use as the original joining technique demonstrating its general durability and effectiveness. Optical microscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence, and micro-Raman spectroscopy were used to identify the soldering treatment, the chemical composition of the alloy, and the corrosion products. Investigation techniques showed the use of a modern tin-lead alloy as soft soldering in past interventions to treat cracks and fill losses. Cracks propagated due to soil pressures and ongoing corrosion processes, as well as the combined action of tensile forces and the surface-active molten solder. The ancient solder used to attach the dog and Eros to the lamp was a hard solder. The three pieces were made of high-leaded tin bronze, with Pb contents ranging from 10.5 to 13 wt%. The chloride and sulfate corrosion products detected by µ-RS were more aggressive in the object structure. The corrosion products of the soft solder consisted mostly of lead and tin oxides, basic carbonates, and sulfates.
The paper presents the first archaeometric results on a selection of ancient Roman coins (anto-niniani) from a treasure found in the Roman necropolis area of ancient Cumae (Southern Italy) during archaeological campaigns by the Centre Jean Bérard. A multi-analytical approach consisting of non-destructive techniques (stereomicroscopy, FESEM-EDS, pXRF, Raman, μ-CT) was imple-mented on the better-preserved coins of the treasure in order to investigate the chemical composi-tion of the alloy. Chemical analysis showed that the Roman mint prepared the metal with an ar-gentiferous lead–bronze alloy. A group of coins presents a low content of the precious metal, which is in agreement with the financial crisis of the Roman Empire of the third century. Another group of two coins shows a higher silver content, which is in agreement with their issue or with the Medi-olanum mint standards. In addition, the external layers of corroded coins were analysed to explore the state of conservation of the patina and to identify the corrosion products. Some typical corrosion patinas due to post-depositional conditions were identified. The mineralogical characterisation of the corrosion products enables us to implement adequate conservation strategies, and the presence of more aggressive patinas suggests immediate interventions.
This work is the first archaeometric investigation on copper and iron wastes from the Phoenician site of Motya (Sicily, Italy), dating back to 8th‐4th centuries BC. The samples were analyzed through micro‐Raman spectroscopy (μ‐RS), Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM‐EDS), High‐Resolution Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR‐FESEM), and Electron Microprobe Analysis (EMPA). Micro‐Raman techinique permitted to identify both primary phases, e.g. calchopyrite, and secondary products such as cuprite and copper thrihydroxychlorides in the Cu‐slags and goethite in the Fe‐slags. SEM and HR‐FESEM imaging showed the occurrence of inhomogeneous microstructures in the Cu‐ and Fe‐slags due to elements segregation, solidification and corrosion. EMPA data revealed that the archaeometallurgical wastes from Motya can be differentiated on the basis of their chemical compositions. These preliminary results showed different typologies of by‐products, such as base metals speiss, copper slags from smelting sulphide ore with matte and iron smelting and smithing slags, reflecting different stages of copper and iron productions.
