| Thunberg, J. C. 2025. Large collections of small metal objects: Managing their preservation via desiccated microclimates. Neff, Delphine, Grassini, Sabrina, Watkinson, David and Emmerson, Nicola, eds. Bridging the Gap: Corrosion Science For Heritage Contexts, Vol. 73. Elsevier, pp. 87-104. (10.1016/b978-0-443-18690-5.00002-1) |
Abstract
Museums often hold collections containing thousands of small metal objects, especially within their archeological archives. Object condition is likely to vary widely, but desiccation is frequently adopted as an economic means for controlling their corrosion, either at macro level by controlling humidity within a room or micro level within individual display cases or plastic containers. Understanding corrosion mechanisms, humidity thresholds that initiate them and the rates at which corrosion increases as humidity rises is essential knowledge for managing corrosion risk. This must be supported by quantitative measurement of the performance of the hardware and materials employed to create desiccated macro- or microclimates. Theory and practice can then be combined to develop evidence-based management protocols for maintaining target desiccation levels. Current understanding of microclimate theory and practice is reviewed, and ongoing and future research into hardware performance and the variables that influence this are discussed relative to providing cost benefit management.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > History, Archaeology and Religion |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISBN: | 9780443186905 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Oct 2025 15:45 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/182019 |
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