Evidence-based Condition-Monitoring Strategy for Preservation of Heritage Iron
Lead Research Organisation:
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Sch of History, Archaeology & Religion
Abstract
From archaeological objects through to ships, iron is a ubiquitous heritage metal. Unfortunately, iron readily corrodes and iron objects are thus eventually destroyed during storage and display, especially when contaminated with chloride from burial or marine contexts. Only desiccation below 15% RH or de-oxygenation can stop corrosion in these instances, as attempts to remove chloride are unsatisfactory. Mechanical desiccation is energy-hungry and expensive, while passive use of desiccants to control small spaces is difficult to manage long-term. Currently, management must either adopt precise and costly no-corrosion desiccation, or allow partial desiccation with unknown preservation outcomes.
This research identifies and tests new ideas for managing the preservation of heritage iron via the concept of 'corrosion control' rather than 'corrosion prevention'. In a world of dwindling resources, not all objects can justifiably merit indefinite preservation. It may be possible to define and assign lifespans to lower preservation costs and energy expenditure.
The project will:
- measure the corrosion rate of chloride contaminated heritage iron;
- define 'object lifespan' in relation to heritage value;
- relate this to relative humidity
-test novel ways of monitoring corrosion rate by developing 2 types of sensor;
-produce a management model for optimising conservation based on controlled corrosion, cost and energy expenditure.
Experimental work will quantitatively examine long-term corrosion rates of up to 300 samples of heritage iron. These results will underpin subsequent field-testing of heritage iron objects, and the development of sensors and management guidelines.
The amount of oxygen consumed by the corrosion process is measured and related to the chloride in each object, as a function of atmospheric moisture and physical changes to the samples. Thus examination of links between corrosion rate, RH and loss of heritage value will generate a preservation scale that can be used to predict object 'lifespan' as a function of humidity. We will introduce options for using corrosion control to preserve objects for predicted time periods at specified RH values.
It is necessary to monitor corrosion rates in controlled environments to support this approach. Monitoring the rather low corrosion rate occurring on heritage iron is experimentally challenging. Consequently, two indirect methods of measuring corrosion will be explored, developed, tested and scaled against heritage iron using corrosion rate data and object 'lifespan' as generated and defined by this research:
- a novel corrosion monitor that dynamically records electrical resistance change to measure corrosion;
- a passive sampler that utilises chemical reaction, weight and colour change.
The resulting corrosion control model and its monitoring methods will be tested in-situ using Brunel's iconic and multiple conservation award winning ship ss Great Britain. Monitoring the controlled environment at selected points on the ship will identify corrosion rates and these may then be linked to preservation costs and the carbon footprint of environmental control. A cost-benefit analysis can then be extrapolated to offer options for acceptable corrosion rates and object longevity. A similar test will be run in the metal stores at the Mary Rose Trust but on smaller objects held in different conditions.
The outcomes will be of direct practical use to the wide range of organisations that store and conserve large and small iron objects. The project will deliver a holistic management system for the first time. This will enable the development of clear guidelines on the preservation of chloride contaminated iron, based on predictions of lifespan from accurate corrosion rate data. The transparent decision making process will allow managers to link corrosion control to preservation outcomes and use of resources.
This research identifies and tests new ideas for managing the preservation of heritage iron via the concept of 'corrosion control' rather than 'corrosion prevention'. In a world of dwindling resources, not all objects can justifiably merit indefinite preservation. It may be possible to define and assign lifespans to lower preservation costs and energy expenditure.
The project will:
- measure the corrosion rate of chloride contaminated heritage iron;
- define 'object lifespan' in relation to heritage value;
- relate this to relative humidity
-test novel ways of monitoring corrosion rate by developing 2 types of sensor;
-produce a management model for optimising conservation based on controlled corrosion, cost and energy expenditure.
Experimental work will quantitatively examine long-term corrosion rates of up to 300 samples of heritage iron. These results will underpin subsequent field-testing of heritage iron objects, and the development of sensors and management guidelines.
The amount of oxygen consumed by the corrosion process is measured and related to the chloride in each object, as a function of atmospheric moisture and physical changes to the samples. Thus examination of links between corrosion rate, RH and loss of heritage value will generate a preservation scale that can be used to predict object 'lifespan' as a function of humidity. We will introduce options for using corrosion control to preserve objects for predicted time periods at specified RH values.
It is necessary to monitor corrosion rates in controlled environments to support this approach. Monitoring the rather low corrosion rate occurring on heritage iron is experimentally challenging. Consequently, two indirect methods of measuring corrosion will be explored, developed, tested and scaled against heritage iron using corrosion rate data and object 'lifespan' as generated and defined by this research:
- a novel corrosion monitor that dynamically records electrical resistance change to measure corrosion;
- a passive sampler that utilises chemical reaction, weight and colour change.
The resulting corrosion control model and its monitoring methods will be tested in-situ using Brunel's iconic and multiple conservation award winning ship ss Great Britain. Monitoring the controlled environment at selected points on the ship will identify corrosion rates and these may then be linked to preservation costs and the carbon footprint of environmental control. A cost-benefit analysis can then be extrapolated to offer options for acceptable corrosion rates and object longevity. A similar test will be run in the metal stores at the Mary Rose Trust but on smaller objects held in different conditions.
The outcomes will be of direct practical use to the wide range of organisations that store and conserve large and small iron objects. The project will deliver a holistic management system for the first time. This will enable the development of clear guidelines on the preservation of chloride contaminated iron, based on predictions of lifespan from accurate corrosion rate data. The transparent decision making process will allow managers to link corrosion control to preservation outcomes and use of resources.
Planned Impact
Who will benefit?
This project produces multiple impacts on the heritage sector of which the main beneficiaries will be organisations responsible for the preservation of iron. There is also potential application to industrial contexts, especially for impacting on industrial corrosion control.
The Project Partners are ss Great Britain and Mary Rose Trust (fieldwork testing of both sensors), English Heritage (testing passive sensors) and Eura Conservation and Dorothea Restorations (providing on-going commercial and industrial input and advice). Their established profiles will attract attention and publicity that will embed our research into the heritage sector.
How will they benefit?
Heritage Sector practice: An obvious impact of this study is to further knowledge and understanding of corrosion science within the heritage sector and benefit future research there. It also influences preservation strategies for ferrous heritage by challenging current practice and its underpinning rationale. The potential impact is significant. Introducing the concept of quantitative corrosion control and object lifespan to offer new preservation options could revolutionise long-term storage of heritage iron. Our dissemination routes and diverse partnerships will generate high profile impact. Producing best practice guidelines will be the first step towards benchmarking preservation and producing conservation standards for desiccated storage of heritage iron.
Resource Management: UK heritage is a multi-million pound industry. It generates income from tourism, but consumes money in caring for this heritage. Managing preservation should balance outcomes against financial and environmental costs. Perhaps the biggest impact of this project could be a broad-ranging questioning of conservation concepts and ethics that currently focus on complete prevention of corrosion - but this would be a very long-term outcome Generating quantified preservation options will facilitate a move towards evidence based pragmatism in conservation decision making. Adopting these new ideas and practical outcomes will impact on the tourist economy and public sector by reducing the cost of preserving heritage iron. The biggest impact will be in the public sector, where responsibility for much of our heritage lies. Our case studies at ss Great Britain and Mary Rose Trust will provide practical and adaptable examples here. We expect other nations to utilise our research and ideas, which will be disseminated through prestigious publication and international conferences. Impact within corrosion control contexts outside of the heritage sector could contribute to increased longevity of materials; where maintaining low humidity is the preferred corrosion control method a reassessment of RH control standards is a possibility for chloride contaminated ferrous metals.
Commercial exploitation: The active and passive sensors developed in the project have commercial relevance for measuring the aggressiveness of environments towards chloride contaminated ferrous metals. In the long-term, there is obvious potential for the application of research findings to industrial iron usage on an international scale - particularly in chloride rich marine atmospheres where the corrosion sensors may offer opportunity for recording corrosion when cables/structures are chloride infested (e.g. shipping, bridges, transportation, road and rail infrastructure). There is also potential for application to dry storage of equipment that has been used in marine contexts (MoD, shipping, rescue and recovery sectors).
Potential industrial applications and connections with industrial sectors will be assessed after the first year, when some results from examining corrosion rates and sensor development are available. This will allow us to contextualise against industry needs identified from literature
This project produces multiple impacts on the heritage sector of which the main beneficiaries will be organisations responsible for the preservation of iron. There is also potential application to industrial contexts, especially for impacting on industrial corrosion control.
The Project Partners are ss Great Britain and Mary Rose Trust (fieldwork testing of both sensors), English Heritage (testing passive sensors) and Eura Conservation and Dorothea Restorations (providing on-going commercial and industrial input and advice). Their established profiles will attract attention and publicity that will embed our research into the heritage sector.
How will they benefit?
Heritage Sector practice: An obvious impact of this study is to further knowledge and understanding of corrosion science within the heritage sector and benefit future research there. It also influences preservation strategies for ferrous heritage by challenging current practice and its underpinning rationale. The potential impact is significant. Introducing the concept of quantitative corrosion control and object lifespan to offer new preservation options could revolutionise long-term storage of heritage iron. Our dissemination routes and diverse partnerships will generate high profile impact. Producing best practice guidelines will be the first step towards benchmarking preservation and producing conservation standards for desiccated storage of heritage iron.
Resource Management: UK heritage is a multi-million pound industry. It generates income from tourism, but consumes money in caring for this heritage. Managing preservation should balance outcomes against financial and environmental costs. Perhaps the biggest impact of this project could be a broad-ranging questioning of conservation concepts and ethics that currently focus on complete prevention of corrosion - but this would be a very long-term outcome Generating quantified preservation options will facilitate a move towards evidence based pragmatism in conservation decision making. Adopting these new ideas and practical outcomes will impact on the tourist economy and public sector by reducing the cost of preserving heritage iron. The biggest impact will be in the public sector, where responsibility for much of our heritage lies. Our case studies at ss Great Britain and Mary Rose Trust will provide practical and adaptable examples here. We expect other nations to utilise our research and ideas, which will be disseminated through prestigious publication and international conferences. Impact within corrosion control contexts outside of the heritage sector could contribute to increased longevity of materials; where maintaining low humidity is the preferred corrosion control method a reassessment of RH control standards is a possibility for chloride contaminated ferrous metals.
Commercial exploitation: The active and passive sensors developed in the project have commercial relevance for measuring the aggressiveness of environments towards chloride contaminated ferrous metals. In the long-term, there is obvious potential for the application of research findings to industrial iron usage on an international scale - particularly in chloride rich marine atmospheres where the corrosion sensors may offer opportunity for recording corrosion when cables/structures are chloride infested (e.g. shipping, bridges, transportation, road and rail infrastructure). There is also potential for application to dry storage of equipment that has been used in marine contexts (MoD, shipping, rescue and recovery sectors).
Potential industrial applications and connections with industrial sectors will be assessed after the first year, when some results from examining corrosion rates and sensor development are available. This will allow us to contextualise against industry needs identified from literature
Organisations
- CARDIFF UNIVERSITY (Lead Research Organisation)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (Co-funder)
- Mary Rose Trust (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Budapest Neutron Centre (Collaboration)
- EURA Conservation Ltd (Project Partner)
- SS Great Britain Trust (Project Partner)
- Dorothea Restorations (Project Partner)
- Historic Bldgs & Mnts Commis for England (Project Partner)
Publications
Watkinson D
(2013)
Corrosion and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Metallic Artefacts
Watkinson D
(2013)
Quantifying effectiveness of chloride desalination treatments for archaeological iron using oxygen measurement.
in Metal 2013
Watkinson D
(2013)
Evidence based condition monitoring strategy for preservation of heritage iron
in Sustaining the Impact of UK Science and Heritage Research
Rimmer M
(2013)
The impact of chloride desalination on the corrosion rate of archaeological iron
in Studies in Conservation
Dillmann P
(2013)
Corrosion and Conservation, of Cultural Heritage metallic Artifacts.
Watkinson D
(2013)
Corrosion and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Metallic Artefacts
Watkinson D
(2014)
The Use of Neutron Analysis Techniques for Detecting The Concentration And Distribution of Chloride Ions in Archaeological Iron.
in Archaeometry
Description | Over 170 archaeological iron nails Roman and Medieval from two sites have been subjected to corrosion at single or multiple controlled relative humidity (RH) values (20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80%) over periods of months. Nails corroded at two humidity values offer clear quantified evidence of how corrosion rate varies with RH. Slow corrosion rates and their similarity between 30% and 20% RH show how rising RH within this region does not significantly increase the corrosion threat to archaeological iron. In contrast, rising RH within the 50% to 80% region very significantly increases corrosion. The data produced is statistically viable and has been used to produce guidelines for the storage of archaeological iron in the English Heritage Guidelines series. Publications in preparation will produce a scale indicating how much faster corrosion can be expected to occur as a function of RH. Results also indicate differences in corrosion rates between nails from two archaeological sites and this is related to chloride content determined by digestion of the nails. Criteria anchored semi-quantitative measurement of physical damage due to corrosion indicates that the nature of the corrosion layer may influence corrosion rates according to humidity values. This impact on Heritage Value, measured as physical damage to corrosion layers, may have unexpected impact on storage protocol. Collaboration with the Budapest Neutron Centre using PGNAA has supported and expanded the project by offering understanding of chloride distribution in objects, which can be directly linked to corrosion patterns and heritage value. The corrosion rate measurement methodology developed in the project is now being used to examine corrosion rate of cast iron to inform display conditions at the Mary Rose Trust and to determine the performance of protective coatings for the Tank Museum and Historic Scotland. Work at Manchester on developing Low Resistance Corrosion Sensors that record the impact of chloride driven corrosion on metallic iron has been aided by tests run in Cardiff to measure reproducibility of corrosion rate on standardised sensors. A novel inkjet printing method for applying chloride solutions onto iron foil has been developed at Manchester. XRD and SEM/EDX analysis has investigated the corrosion products formed on the samples for comparison with the known mechanisms of corrosion on archaeological iron. The design of the ERCM sensors has been developed to provide a balance between sensitivity and longevity, reduce errors and maximise manufacturing efficiency. |
Exploitation Route | The data has been used to develop guidelines for the storage and display of archaeological iron in controlled humidity in collaboration with English Heritage. It is being used to develop a predictive model for estimating the post-excavation lifespan of archaeological iron objects, as functions of their chloride content and ambient relative humidity. This will offer a basis for cost benefit calculation by heritage managers to better utilise resources and enable informed evidence based decisions on the outcome of their storage designs. Current work in Cardiff University is linking the practical aspects of creating desiccated storage microclimate enviroments to their performance to identify management protocols. This will impact on energy use in climatic control of storage environments for archaeological iron and overall management costs. This will impact on the public purse, where it will also improve management decisions and identify the level of preservation returned for the chosen input to climate control. By developing a heritage value scale linked to quantitative corrosion of archaeological iron, recorded as loss of metal, it will provide a universal scale for how corrosion damage can be meaningfully measured for archaeological iron. Production of remote LRCM senors will offer insight into the cumulative impact of ambient environment on archeological objects, using a heritage value scale developed from testing archaeological objects. The corrosion data has potential to impact on other sectors where chloride driven corrosion of ferrous metals is a problem. |
Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Construction Energy Environment |
URL | http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/share/contactsandpeople/academicstaff/U-Z/watkinson-david-dr.html |
Description | To provide sector wide guidelines for safe storage and risk assessment design for archaeological iron. Published by English Heritage as 'Guidelines for the Storage and Display of Archaeological Metalwork'. This document is used by museums and arcaheological archives to design and manage the desiccated storage of archaeological iron, which prevents its ongoing corrosion. This ensures the archaeological record remains in tact for future study and display. |
Sector | Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic Policy & public services |
Description | Desiccated Microclimate Storage of Archaeological Iron - Meeting with Head of Conservation at Museum of London Archaeological Store (biggest archaeological store in Europe) advised on drying object pre-packaging for archaeological iron using data from corrosion experiments investigating desiccated storage. Museum adjusted guidance to the multiple units delivering material to the store regarding protocol for storage of iron finds delivered to the store. This is a benchmark requirement for acceptance of material. |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | This forms part of the first phase of a number of outcomes that will define protocol for the packaging, storage, maintenance and management of archaeological iron using desiccated microclimates based on plastic boxes with their interior controlled by silica gel. The data set will eventually deliver evidence-based practice for all aspects of management using this storage system: input of staff time; quantities of gel required; box performance. The present input related to guidance for desiccating objects before storage. The corrosion rate data from the AHRC Project underpinned interpreting the desiccation data in relation to predicted longevity of the iron objects. |
Description | Storage of Archaeological Iron |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Membership of a guideline committee |
Impact | Ensures that management of archaeological iron is evidence based by offering linkage between corrosion rate and relative humidity in storage environment to inform management decisions and options. Offers opportunity to develop cost benefit calculations for storage systems. By observing guidelines, the longevity of the archaeological iron heritage should be extended. |
Description | EPSRC Development Grant |
Amount | £10,200 (GBP) |
Funding ID | Internal within Cardiff University |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2011 |
End | 10/2012 |
Description | Mary Rose Trust |
Organisation | Mary Rose Trust |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Research into corrosion rate of cast iron cannon balls on display to identify impact of relative humidity on corrosion rate, which will act as a management tool to control display environment and increase longevity of objects. Utilised corrosion rate measurement technique developed in the Science and Heritage Research Grant. PhD Cardiff University began October 2016 'Corrosion rate of cast iron cannon balls from Mary Rose as a function of relative humidity' - student Jerrod Seifert. |
Collaborator Contribution | Supplied sample material. Invited to deliver paper at conference at Mary Rose Trust January 9th 2017. |
Impact | Watkinson, D. and Emmerson, N. (2016) Matching display relative humidity to corrosion rate: Quantitative evidence for marine cast iron cannon balls. In Metal 2017 Proceedings of the Interim Meeting of the ICOM-CC Metals Working Group, September 26th-30th, 2016, New Dehli India, Eds. Menon, R., Chemello, C. and Pandya, A. 195-202 ICOM-CC |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | The use of neutron analysis techniques for detecting the concentration and distribution of chloride ions in archaeological iron |
Organisation | Budapest Neutron Centre |
Country | Hungary |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | A novel use of Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis technique at the Budapest Neutron Centre enabled mapping of the chloride distribution within archaeological iron objects for the first time. With the support of neutron tomography and x-radiography, it was possible to link corrosion and mineralization of the archaeological iron to chloride location and the physical damage occurring in objects. This supports the theory that chloride is a main corrosion driver for archaeological iron post-excavation. |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Conference presentation - EUROCORR 2010 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Generated contact with French Research Group at French Atomic Agency, Laboratoire Archéomatériaux et Prévision de l'Altération SIS2M Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 3299, which initiated information exchange and agreement to collabotrate on research and research applications (joint JPI grant submission 2014). Collaboration with Dillman/Neff Research Group at French Atomic Agency NIMBE-SIS2M Laboratoire Archéomatériaux et Prévision de l'Altération SIS2M Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 3299. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2010 |
Description | Continuing Professional Development (archaeologists) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The talk brought the audience of archaeological practitioners up to date with current thinking and research on how to manage the preservation of large assemblages of archaeological iron from a curatorial viewpoint. Involvement of the archaeological community in the conservation research process. (Institute of Field Archaeologists Annual Conference and CPD Workshops: Understanding significance. April 13-15th, 2011 Reading University) Awareness of problems related to preserving archaeological iron and information on how to address them was delivered to managers of archaeological assemblages and archives. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Inaugural meeting of the LETRIP Research group based in France. Meeting on 15th November 2016 at INP Aubervilliers France. (LETRIP - Laboratoire d'Etudes des Traitements et Revêtements Innovants pour le Patrimoine - qui a reçu le label LABCOM de l'Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) en janvier 2016.) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Meeting of European experts on corrosion and conservation of archaeological and historical ferrous metals. Outcome was identification of research routes to underpin the investigative study of subcritical washing treatments for heritage iron objects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | International conference presentation EUROCORR 2011 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Discussion and collaboration. Agreement to co-author/edit European Federation of Corrosion Green Book aimed at bridging the divide between corrosion science and heritage science research. Collaboration and publication - Dillmann P., Watkinson D., Angelini E., Adriaens A. (2013) Corrosion and Conservation of Cultural Heritage metallic Artifacts. European Federation of Corrosion (EFC) Series No. 65. 640 pp. Woodhead. ISBN-13:978 1 78242 154 2 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Research seminar presented to staff in the conservation section of Historic Scotland at their headquarters in Longmore House Edinburgh. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Lecture to Institute of Structural Engineers South Wales |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk produced questions and interest in the nature of the research and its application to modern engineering contexts, especially in chloride laden costal areas. none |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Meeting of Mary Rose Trust Hull Advisory Committee |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussion of preservation plans for the Mary Rose Trust Hull. Future research directions identified and strategies for best practice for preservation of the hull. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Meeting of Tank Museum (Bovington) Steering Group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Meeting of selection of sector experts to discuss future research directions at the Tank Museum Bovington UK. Two PhD topics identified for funding. Linked to financial support from HLF and to be used as a base for future HLF bid. Priorities for research identified for vehicle sector nationally and, by projection, internationally. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Presentation - EUROCORR 2013 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Discussion of data and its context. Agreement to apply for European grant in 2014 in collaboration with French and Danish colleagues. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Presentation - EUROCORR 2014 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Talk produced discussion in audience. Agreement to carry out similar research on natural corrosin products provided by French Colleagues at CER. Request to carry out research on archaeological material to complement characterisation studies in France. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Presentation to Practitioners at EUROCORR 2018 - Impact of sodium hydroxide on chloride removal from iron |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A EUROCORR international conference that had a selection of European conservation practitioners within the audience of the Working Party on Corrosion and Conservation of Heritage materials. The talk offered evidence based insight into the impact of differing molarities of NaOH on removal of chloride from the iron corrosion product - akaganeite. This informs practice when choosing molarities of NaOH for treating archaeological and historical iron to extract its corrosion enhancing chloride. The advantage delivered to the practitoners was that more environment friendly low molarities of NaOH could be used to good effect. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Public Lecture (Heritage iron Preservation) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Lively question time after the talk. Collaboration with Historic Scotland agreed for coatings research on metals. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Research Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation to research to Historic Scotland Practitioners and Policy Makers in Edinburgh at their headquarters Longmore House. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |