Watkinson, David E.  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5696-9780, Emmerson, Nicola J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5277-0865 and Thickett, D.
2025.
Understanding and managing the corrosion of chloride infested archaeological iron: a conservation and corrosion science synergy.
Neff, Delphine, Grassini, Sabrina, Watkinson, David and Emmerson, Nicola, eds.
Bridging the Gap: Corrosion Science For Heritage Contexts,
European Federation of Corosion Publications,
Elsevier,
pp. 165-193.
(10.1016/B978-0-443-18690-5.00013-6)
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Abstract
Within conservation a simple explanation of the causes, products and outcomes for the corrosion of archeological iron, during burial and postexcavation, was developed at the beginning of the 20th century and was based on the existence chloride ions in burial environments and the formation of ferrous and ferric chlorides. This remained accepted understanding until the beginning of the 1980's. Since then, extensive research has characterized the chemistry of chloride containing compounds within archeological iron during its burial, postexcavation, and treatment. This identified the existence of akaganéite (β-FeOOH) and ferrous hydroxychloride (Fe2(OH)3Cl) and their roles in corrosion mechanisms that occur during the burial, storage, and display of archeological iron artifacts, along with their influence on the effectiveness of desiccation and desalination as corrosion control techniques. Reporting this research demonstrates how collaboration between conservation professionals and external research communities creates a synergy that develops and enhances evidence-based decision-making within conservation practice, illustrating the importance of mainstream science to the heritage sector.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > History, Archaeology and Religion |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISBN: | 9780443186905 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Nov 2025 10:54 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/179544 |
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