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Porcaro M, Lins S, Depalmas A, Anzalone RM, Iannaccone R, Brunetti A. Characterization of a Unique Nuragic Bronze Navicella with a Combination of X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Monte Carlo Simulation. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:7345. [PMID: 38068091 PMCID: PMC10706853 DOI: 10.3390/ma16237345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
This paper describes the results obtained from an archaeometric study of a bronze Nuragic small boat model (Sardinia, Italy) dating from the Early Iron Age (presumably 9th-7th centuries BC). The artifact comes from an unknown location in Sardinia and is one of the objects that came to the Museum of Turin in the 19th century. This model is of particular interest as it is a unique Nuragic boat model containing a human figure among its decorations. The artifact is kept in the collection of the Royal Museum of Turin (Italy) and is a typical example of Sardinian manufacture from the Early Iron Age. This study was carried out using a combination of non-invasive techniques with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF) integrated with Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and Raman spectroscopy, which allowed the characterization of the alloy of the artifact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Porcaro
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Lins
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Depalmas
- DUMAS Department, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | | | - Roberta Iannaccone
- Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Natural Science Department, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Antonio Brunetti
- Biomedical Sciences Department, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Boccaccini F, Riccucci C, Messina E, Pascucci M, Bosi F, Chelazzi D, Guaragnone T, Baglioni P, Ingo GM, Di Carlo G. Reproducing bronze archaeological patinas through intentional burial: A comparison between short- and long-term interactions with soil. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19626. [PMID: 37810079 PMCID: PMC10558880 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The reproduction of archaeological corrosion patinas is a key issue for the reliable validation of conservation materials before their use on cultural objects. In this study, bronze disks were intentionally buried for 15 years in the soil of the archaeological site of Tharros, both in laboratory and in situ, with the aim of reproducing corrosion patinas typical of archaeological artifacts to be used as representative surfaces for testing novel cleaning gels. The microstructural, microchemical and mineralogical features of the patinas were analyzed by a multianalytical approach, based on optical microscopy (OM), field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (FE-SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The patinas developed in 15 years were compared with an archaeological bronze recovered from the same site after about two thousand years of burial (referred as short-term and long-term interaction, respectively). Results revealed a similar corrosion behavior, especially in terms of chemical composition and corrosion mechanisms. XRD detected the ubiquitous presence of cuprite, copper hydroxychlorides and terrigenous minerals, while OM and FE-SEM-EDS analyses of cross-sections evidenced similar patinas' stratigraphy, identifying decuprification as driving corrosion mechanism. However, some differences related to the type of local environment and to the time spent in soil were evidenced. In particular, patinas developed in situ are more heterogeneous and rougher, while the archaeological one is thicker and presents a major amount of cuprite, terrigenous deposits and uncommon corrosion compounds. Based on our findings, the disks buried in situ were selected and used as disposable substrates to study the cleaning effect of a novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based gel loaded with a chelating agent (Na2EDTA · 2H2O). Results show that the gel is effective in removing disfiguring degradation compounds and preserving the stable and protective patina. Based on the conservation needs, the time of application can be properly tuned. It is worth noticing that after a few minutes the green corrosion products can be selectively removed. The EDS analysis performed on the gels after cleaning reveals that they are highly selective for the removal of copper(II) compounds rather than Cu(I) oxide or Cu(0) from bronze substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Boccaccini
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN), National Research Council (CNR), Via Salaria km 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Riccucci
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN), National Research Council (CNR), Via Salaria km 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Elena Messina
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN), National Research Council (CNR), Via Salaria km 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Marianna Pascucci
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN), National Research Council (CNR), Via Salaria km 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Bosi
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - David Chelazzi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff” and CSGI, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence (Italy)
| | - Teresa Guaragnone
- CSGI and Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence (Italy)
| | - Piero Baglioni
- CSGI and Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence (Italy)
| | - Gabriel Maria Ingo
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN), National Research Council (CNR), Via Salaria km 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Carlo
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials (ISMN), National Research Council (CNR), Via Salaria km 29300, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
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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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Bernabale M, Cognigni F, Nigro L, Rossi M, de Caro T, De Vito C. A comprehensive strategy for exploring corrosion in iron-based artefacts through advanced Multiscale X-ray Microscopy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6125. [PMID: 35414686 PMCID: PMC9005549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10151-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The best strategy to tackle complexity when analyzing corrosion in iron artefacts is to combine different analytical methods. Traditional techniques provide effective means to identify the chemistry and mineralogy of corrosion products. Nevertheless, a further step is necessary to upgrade the understanding of the corrosion evolution in three dimensions. In this regard, Multiscale X-ray Microscopy (XRM) enables multi-length scale visualization of the whole object and provides the spatial distribution of corrosion phases. Herein, we propose an integrated workflow to explore corrosion mechanisms in an iron-nail from Motya (Italy) through destructive and non-destructive techniques, which permit the extraction of the maximum information with the minimum sampling. The results reveal the internal structure of the artefact and the structural discontinuities which lead the corrosion, highlighting the compositional differences between the tip and the head of the iron nail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bernabale
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Cognigni
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering (SBAI), Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 14, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nigro
- Department Italian Institute of Oriental Studies-ISO, Sapienza University of Rome, Circonvallazione Tiburtina 4, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering (SBAI), Sapienza University of Rome, Via Antonio Scarpa 14, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Tilde de Caro
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati-National Research Council (ISMN-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina De Vito
- Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Mortazavi M, Kavosh H, Naghavi S, Khanjari R. Microstructural and Analytical Study of Uncommon Corrosion Features on Archaeological Cu-As Alloys from Tappeh Graziani in Southeastern Iran. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:1-15. [PMID: 35139975 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927622000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The morphology and composition of the corrosion products of archaeological arsenical copper alloys buried in a specific environment for a long time were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analyses demonstrated that the alloy composition of the artifacts was copper-arsenic (Cu-AS) with significant amounts of lead in some samples. Cuprite, malachite, and copper (II) hydroxychlorides were observed on a completely mineralized matrix. The surface of the objects was covered by two main corrosion layers formed on the internal cuprous oxide. However, several successive layers of corrosion products were recognized on the artifacts in some cases. Furthermore, phosphatic corrosion products including, mimetite [Pb5(AsO4)3Cl], and pyromorphite [Pb5(PO4)3Cl] were identified. Conichalcite [CaCu(AsO4)](OH), which grew in the form of Liesegang rings, was also identified as a corrosion product of one of the objects. As and Pb exhibited some enrichment in the corrosion crusts of the artifacts. Environmental changes in burial conditions, particularly due to seasonal streams and consequent changes in soil corrosivity, vicinity of objects to bone material, along with the migration of alloy elements, especially lead and arsenic, can explain the morphological features of these archaeological objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mortazavi
- Faculty of Conservation and Restoration, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Sogand Naghavi
- Department of conservation and restoration of historical artifacts, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Reza Khanjari
- Department of conservation and restoration of historical artifacts, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
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A Combined Non-Destructive and Micro-Destructive Approach to Solving the Forensic Problems in the Field of Cultural Heritage: Two Case Studies. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11156951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present paper discusses the importance of non-destructive and micro-destructive technology in forensic investigations in the field of cultural heritage. Recent technological developments and the wide availability of modern analytical instrumentation are creating new possibilities for performing scientific measurements and acquiring data directly on-site—thereby limiting, where possible, sampling activity—as well as learning about the technologies and materials that were employed in the past to create cultural assets. Information on periods, chemical composition, manufacturing techniques, etc., can be gathered more easily. Overall, the benefits of on-site forensic investigations are multiple, including the potential to increase substantially the speed and efficacy of the criminal justice system. However, such benefits are only realized when data quality is guaranteed and findings can be used as forensic evidence in court. The present paper shows data from the non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis of different artworks and objects provided by the Cosenza Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and Anti-Counterfeiting (Calabria, Italy). In particular, two oil paintings on canvas depicting cherubs (Italian: putti), recovered as fragments of larger religious artworks, and two bronze belt and helmet fragments were investigated. In the first case, the research aimed to define the original pictorial layer, identify any reconstruction pictorial areas or pictorial retouching, assess the state of conservation, reconstruct the previous conservation treatments, and provide indications about the chronology of the artworks. In the second case, analysis was performed both to define the bronze chemical composition and the origin of the soil (earth) found within the objects during their recovery. For these purposes, the analytical approach involved the use of non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis as follows: infrared reflectography (IRR), ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UV), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), digital optical microscopy (DOM), scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDX microanalysis (SEM-EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results made it possible to collect valuable diagnostic information and answer questions posed by the institutions for the resolution of various doubts about forensic science and cases concerning the seizure, recovery, or return of archaeological or historical-artistic objects of cultural interest.
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