The research article focuses on the non- and semi-destructive analysis of copper alloys, corrosion, and soil components from a Roman archaeological site in Israel. The study employed portable X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and micromorphological analyses to investigate the corrosion processes affecting copper alloy artefacts.
The primary objective was to characterise the alloy composition, soil environments, and corrosion products to gain insights into the degradation factors influencing the artefacts. Preliminary findings revealed that the artefacts were made of copper-lead-tin alloys covered with copper hydroxy-chlorides and lead sulphate phases, showing slight variations in crystallisation. The multi-analytical approach also identified the presence of quartz, calcite, gypsum, and feldspars in the sediments, with thin sections indicating loess soils with specific micro-environments.
The study aimed to avoid intrusive sampling of museum objects by utilising non-destructive testing techniques for material characterization, emphasising the importance of preserving cultural artefacts. Through the validation of results obtained from different analytical methods, the research provided valuable insights into the corrosion processes affecting the copper alloy artefacts, contributing to a better understanding of their preservation and potential conservation strategies.
