Surface preparation of historic wrought iron: evidencing the requirement for standardisation

Emmerson, N. J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5277-0865 and Watkinson, D. E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5696-9780 2016. Surface preparation of historic wrought iron: evidencing the requirement for standardisation. Materials and Corrosion / Werkstoffe und Korrosion 67 (2) , pp. 176-189. 10.1002/maco.201408210

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Abstract

The conservation of heritage wrought iron mostly relies on corrosion prevention by preparation of surfaces and application of protective coatings. In contrast to industrial and engineering treatment of modern steel, conservation practice is not regulated by accepted national and international standards or underpinned by empirical evidence. This paper presents the results of oxygen consumption rate testing (as proxy corrosion rate) of historic wrought iron samples prepared by five commonly applied surface preparation methods and subjected to high humidity environments, with outcomes assessed by use of international standards employed in industrial contexts. Results indicate that choice of surface preparation method has a direct influence on corrosion rate of the uncoated wrought iron, which impacts on performance of the protective coatings that may ultimately determine survival or loss of our rich wrought iron heritage. By implication, more extensive empirical evidence is required to underpin and develop heritage standards for treatment of wrought iron which encompass specifics of the historic material, heritage context and the ethics of conservation practice. The introduction of such standards is called for in order to bring treatment of historic ironwork in line with highly regulated engineering and industrial practices.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	History, Archaeology and Religion
Subjects:	C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0947-5117
Funders:	Historic Scotland
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 April 2016
Date of Acceptance:	4 August 2015
Last Modified:	27 Nov 2024 22:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/88516

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