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Micro and Nanoscale Structures and Corrosion Patterns in Brass: The Case Study of Ancient Roman Orichalcum Coins. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12070827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the micro and nanoscale structure in Cu-Zn alloy, as well as its corrosion patterns. To achieve this goal, a set of Roman orichalcum coins were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray maps, high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (HR-FESEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analyser (EMPA) techniques. The samples showed a high degree of corrosion on their external surfaces, which evolved in depth up to ~1 mm. Micro and sub-micro imaging of the inner metal highlighted the presence of “stressed areas” caused by mechanical processing work, representing the trigger zone of corrosion and causing the loss of material. These images also permitted us to follow the grain-grain interface and selective Zn-dealloying in the examined samples. X-ray maps of Cu and Zn helped us to understand the evolution of the dezincification process, from rim to core. HR-FESEM-EDS imaging investigation highlighted a heterogeneous composition within the strain line structures, confirming that the mechanically stressed areas were active zones for corrosion processes. Cracks and voids also characterised the patina. Conversely, the uncorroded cores of the samples were not affected by dealloying.
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Electrochemical analysis of coffin portraits from the National Museum in Krakow. J Solid State Electrochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-021-05001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Di Turo F, Moro G, Artesani A, Albertin F, Bettuzzi M, Cristofori D, Moretto LM, Traviglia A. Chemical analysis and computed tomography of metallic inclusions in Roman glass to unveil ancient coloring methods. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11187. [PMID: 34045535 PMCID: PMC8160351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90541-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the analysis of two near-spherical metallic inclusions partially incorporated within two Roman raw glass slags in order to elucidate the process that induced their formation and to determine whether their presence was related to ancient glass colouring processes. The theory of metallic scraps or powder being used in Roman times for glass-making and colouring purposes is widely accepted by the archaeological scientific community, although the assumption has been mainly based on oral traditions and documented medieval practices of glass processing. The analysis of the two inclusions, carried out by X-ray computed tomography, electrochemical analyses, and scanning electron microscopy, revealed their material composition, corrosion and internal structure. Results indicate that the two metallic bodies originated when, during the melting phase of glass, metal scraps were added to colour the material: the colloidal metal-glass system reached then a supersaturation condition and the latter ultimately induced metal expulsion and agglomeration. According to the authors' knowledge, these two inclusions represent the first documented and studied finds directly associated with the ancient practise of adding metallic agents to colour glass, and their analysis provides clear insights into the use of metallic waste in the glass colouring process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Turo
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy
| | - Giulia Moro
- Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessia Artesani
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy
| | - Fauzia Albertin
- Historical Museum of Physics and the Enrico Fermi Study and Research Center - CREF, 00184, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- INFN - National Institute of Nuclear Physics, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Bettuzzi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- INFN - National Institute of Nuclear Physics, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Cristofori
- Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 30172, Venice, Italy
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Centre for Electron Microscopy "Giovanni Stevanato", 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Ligia Maria Moretto
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy
- Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 30172, Venice, Italy
| | - Arianna Traviglia
- Center for Cultural Heritage Technology (CCHT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 30175, Venice, Italy.
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Doménech-Carbó A, Donnici M, Álvarez-Romero C, Daniele S, Doménech-Carbó MT. Multiple-scan voltammetry of immobilized particles of ancient copper/bronze coins. J Solid State Electrochem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-020-04770-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Doménech-Carbó A, Scholz F, Brauns M, Tiley-Nel S, Oliver A, Aguilella G, Montoya N, Doménech-Carbó MT. Electrochemical dating of archaeological gold based on refined peak current determinations and Tafel analysis. Electrochim Acta 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.135759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Di Fazio M, Felici AC, Catalli F, Doménech-Carbó MT, De Vito C, Doménech-Carbó A. Solid-state electrochemical characterization of emissions and authorities producing Roman brass coins. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Doménech-Carbó A, Bernabeu-Aubán J. Correlation between lead isotope analysis and solid-state electrochemistry for determining the provenance of archaeological bronze. J Solid State Electrochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-019-04378-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Microstructure and chemical composition of Roman orichalcum coins emitted after the monetary reform of Augustus (23 B.C.). Sci Rep 2019; 9:12668. [PMID: 31481740 PMCID: PMC6722059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48941-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A collection of ancient Roman orichalcum coins, i.e., a copper-zinc alloy, minted under the reigns from Caesar to Domitianus, have been characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). We studied, for the first time, coins emitted by Romans after the reforms of Augustus (23 B.C.) and Nero (63–64 A.D). These coins, consisting of asses, sestertii, dupondii and semisses, were analysed using non- and invasive analyses, aiming to explore microstructure, corrosive process and to acquire quantitative chemical analysis. The results revealed that the coins are characterized by porous external layers, which are affected by dezincification and decuprification processes. As pictured by the X-ray maps, the elemental distribution of Cu and Zn shows patterns of depletion that in some cases penetrate in deep up to 1 mm. The composition of the un-corroded nucleus is a Cu-Zn alloy containing up to 30% of Zn, typical of coins produced via cementation process.
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Doménech-Carbó MT, Álvarez-Romero C, Doménech-Carbó A, Osete-Cortina L, Martínez-Bazán ML. Microchemical surface analysis of historic copper-based coins by the combined use of FIB-FESEM-EDX, OM, FTIR spectroscopy and solid-state electrochemical techniques. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Doménech‐Carbó A, Doménech‐Carbó MT, Álvarez‐Romero C, Pasíes T, Buendía M. Screening of Iberian Coinage in the 2
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BCE Period Using the Voltammetry of Immobilized Particles. ELECTROANAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201900090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Doménech‐Carbó
- Departament de Química AnalíticaUniversitat de València Dr. Moliner 50 46100 Burjassot (València Spain
| | - María Teresa Doménech‐Carbó
- Institut de Restauració del PatrimoniUniversitat Politècnica de València Camí de Vera 14 46022 València Spain
| | - Carla Álvarez‐Romero
- Institut de Restauració del PatrimoniUniversitat Politècnica de València Camí de Vera 14 46022 València Spain
| | - Trinidad Pasíes
- Museu de Prehistòria de València Corona 36 46003 Valencia Spain
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Fabrizi L, Di Turo F, Medeghini L, Di Fazio M, Catalli F, De Vito C. The application of non-destructive techniques for the study of corrosion patinas of ten Roman silver coins: The case of the medieval Grosso Romanino. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2018.10.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Doménech-Carbó A, Scholz F. Electrochemical Age Determinations of Metallic Specimens-Utilization of the Corrosion Clock. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:400-406. [PMID: 30615439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dating needs an age-dependent phenomenon (a "clock"), a procedure for monitoring the advance of time by measuring a physicochemical quantity, and, in the case of archeological artifacts, a sampling procedure that guarantees the representativity and integrity of the dated objects. Metal corrosion in an aerobic atmosphere is a phenomenon whose advance can in principle be used as a clock that depends on the environmental conditions. In spite of the limitation imposed by differences in local conditions of corrosion, a new approach for age determinations has been developed and applied as a feasible tool for age determinations of metallic specimens studied by archeologists and historians. These techniques allow the recording of specific electrochemical features characterizing the state of growth of corrosion patinas, i.e., they are based on corrosion clocks. The application of corrosion clocks for age determination is possible in favorable cases where the corrosion happened to proceed uniformly and continuously. The proposed methods for dating of lead, copper/bronze, leaded bronze, and gold are mainly based on the voltammetry of immobilized particles (VIMP). This technique is exceptionally useful in the archeological domain because it requires only submicrogram sample amounts and permits sampling of different locations on the object, thus yielding representative data collected essentially noninvasively. Reported methods for dating of metals include lead, copper/bronze, and gold, obviously in all cases assuming uniform conditions of corrosion in a moderately aggressive environment. In the case of lead, age markers are porous PbO and PbO2 formed in the secondary patina. In the case of copper/bronze, aging is accompanied by a rise in the tenorite-to-cuprite ratio in the secondary patina. These changes in the composition of the patina can be monitored electrochemically using VIMP. The case of gold is different, as no "true" corrosion patina is formed. Here the age marker is the increase in electrochemically active gold sites, which is ultimately related to the adsorption of oxygen species and its diffusion/interchange/spillover through the external layers of the metal surface. Conjointly considered, such methods provide a new research line intersecting electrochemistry and cultural heritage that can be expanded via improvements in calibration and analysis to become an operative tool in the archeological domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Doménech-Carbó
- Departament de Química Analítica, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain
| | - Fritz Scholz
- Institut für Biochemie, Universität Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff Straße 4, 17487 Greifswald, Germany
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Di Turo F, Parra R, Piquero-Cilla J, Favero G, Doménech-Carbó A. Crossing VIMP and EIS for studying heterogeneous sets of copper/bronze coins. J Solid State Electrochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-018-04182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Di Fazio M, Di Turo F, Medeghini L, Fabrizi L, Catalli F, De Vito C. New insights on medieval Provisini silver coins by a combination of non-destructive and micro-invasive techniques. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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