Vol.10, No1, 2010, pp.61-69
UDC  620.18 : 669.22 620.193 : 669.22 904:739.1"652"

CORROSION-INDUCED EMBRITTLEMENT OF ANCIENT SILVER

Russell J.H. Wanhill1, J. Peter Northover2

1) National Aerospace Laboratory NLR, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

2) Oxford University, Oxford, UK

Abstract

Corrosion-induced embrittlement of ancient silver is a complex phenomenon that can cause severe cracking and fragmentation of valuable objects. This damage may require irreversible methods of restoration and conservation. Detailed case studies to characterize the embrittlement are important for selecting the optimum methods to ensure conservation with a minimum of intervention. The paper describes the types of, and models for, corrosion-induced embrittlement in different ancient silver artefacts, and discusses the remedial measures that are or could be used.

Keywords: silver, corrosion, stress corrosion, restoration, conservation

full article (1.74 MB)