Multianalytical study of corrosion layers in some archaeological copper alloy artefacts

Corrosion layers in some copper and bronze archaeological objects from Haft Tappeh archaeological site, southwest Iran, were studied. For this purpose, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis, micro‐Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction methods were applied to observe corrosion stratigraphy and their characteristics as well as identification of chemical composition and phase determination of different corrosion layers. Based on optical and electron microscopy, three different corrosion strata were identified in cross section of different metallic objects including various red, green, white‐grey powdery and dark internal compact layers. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis on different corrosion layers revealed that Cu, Sn and Cl are the main elements in the chemical composition of different layers. Tin‐rich phases were detected in white‐grey and dark layers that may be formed because of the internal oxidation of tin as well as the decuprification (selective dissolution of copper) phenomena occurring during long‐term burial period in the soil. Also, the XRD and micro‐Raman spectroscopy results proved that the main corrosion products are nantokite (CuCl), copper trihydroxychlorides and copper oxides. The combination of these analytical methods allows us to explore the surface and internal corrosion layers of the archaeological copper and bronze samples, and major interest is on studying their chemistry, microstructural properties and corrosion stratigraphy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multianalytical Study of Patina Formed on Archaeological Metal Objects from Bliesbruck-Reinheim

 Patinas naturally formed on archaeological bronze alloys were characterized using light microscopy (LM), micro energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (μ-EDXRF), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX). The examinations carried out on cross-sections of samples have shown that in all samples the copper content in the corrosion layer is lower than in the bulk, while an increase of tin and lead could be observed. Two different types of corrosion were found: first type, a corrosion formation leading to a three layer structure was observed on lead bronze. The outer layer consists mainly of Cu(II) compounds and soil material, followed by a fragmented layer of cuprous oxide and the surface layer of the alloy, where a depletion of copper and an enrichment of tin and high amounts of Cl could be detected. The second type of corrosion is characterized by a two layer structure on the tin bronze sample consisting of an outer layer with copper containing corrosion products and a layer with cracks, which reveals a depletion of copper whereas tin and lead are enriched. Also high amounts of Si were detected in this surface layer.     

Single-Source Molecular Precursor for Synthesis of Copper Sulfide Nanostructures

As a new precursor, [bis(thiosemicarbazide)copper(II)]chloride; ([Cu(TSC)₂]Cl₂), complex was used in thermal decomposition process for the synthesis of Cu₂S nanocrystals. The steric hindrance of the precursor raises the need of using co-surfactant, therefore oleylamine (C₁₈H₃₇N) and triphenylphosphine (C₁₈H₁₅P) were applied as solvent and surfactant of the reaction. CuS nanocrystals were synthesized via hydrothermal decomposition of [bis(thiosemicarbazide) copper(II)] without any surfactant. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Synthesized copper sulfide nanostructures have average size of 20–50?nm. Finally, optical properties of the products were examined and investigated by PL spectra.     

Synthesize,Characterization, and Corrosion Inhibition of Polypyrrole Thin Films on Copper

Polypyrrole (PPy) coatings were synthesized on copper by electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole monomer in aqueous acidic and basic solutions by cyclic voltammetry. The coatings were characterized with CV, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The corrosion protection aspects of PPy coatings have been investigated using the potentiodynamic polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The potentiodynamic polarization measurements show that the PPy coating has ability to protect the copper against corrosion. It was concluded that a complete corrosion protective PPy film could not be obtained through direct electro-oxidation procedure. This may be due to copper dissolution in the monomer oxidation potential range.     

六边形非化学计量比CuxS纳米片：合成、表征及电化学性质

分别采用乙二醇(EG)和聚乙烯吡咯烷酮(PVP)为溶剂和模板剂,用简单的回流方法合成六角型非化学计量比CuxS纳米片.并用X射线衍射(XRD)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、紫外可见近红外光谱仪(UV-Vis)、循环伏安法(CV)对产物进行表征.TEM研究表明样品形貌为纳米六角片.XRD结果表明,随着Cu/S物质的量比的逐渐增加,样品物相从靛铜矿(covellite)CuS逐渐转变为蓝辉铜矿(digenite)Cu1.8S.此外,随着样品组分的变化,其光学和电化学性质均发生显著变化.     

Micro-analytical evidence of origin and degradation of copper pigments found in Bohemian Gothic murals

Correct identification of pigments and all accompanying phases found in colour layers of historical paintings are relevant for searching their origin and pigment preparation pathways and for specification of their further degradation processes. We successfully applied the analytical route combining non-destructive in situ X-ray fluorescence analyses with subsequent laboratory investigation of micro-samples by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray powder micro-diffraction (micro-XRD) to obtain efficiently all the data relevant for mineralogical interpretations of the copper pigments origin. Cu salts (carbonates, chlorides, sulphates, etc.) used as pigments exist in a range of polymorphs with similar or identical composition. The efficiency of the micro-XRD for direct identification of such crystal phases present in micro-samples of colour layers was demonstrated in the presented paper. A new, until now unpublished, type of copper pigment—cumengeite, Pb₂₁Cu₂₀Cl₄₂(OH)₄₀—used as a blue pigment on a sacral wall painting in the Czech Republic was found by means of micro-XRD. Furthermore, azurite, malachite, paratacamite, atacamite and posnjakite were identified in fragments of colour layers of selected Gothic wall paintings. We found Cu–Zn arsenates indicating the natural origin of azurite and malachite; artificial malachite was distinguishable according to its typical spherulitic crystals. The corrosion of blue azurite to green basic Cu chloride was clearly evidenced on some places exposed to the action of salts and moisture—in a good agreement with the results of laboratory experiments, which also show that oxalic acid accelerates the corrosion of Cu pigments.     

Copper corrosion in buffered and non-buffered synthetic seawater: a comparative study

The electrochemical behaviour of copper in neutral buffered and non-buffered synthetic seawater and in pure chloride solutions has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, weight loss measurements, open circuit potential and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Values of the repassivation potentials of Cu in non-buffered and buffered synthetic seawater, at 50 mV s^–1, were 0.12 and 0.46 V vs. SCE, respectively. The sharpness, heights and location of the different peaks as well as their charges were shown to be influenced by the composition of the solution, buffering conditions, deoxygenation, polarization potential and time. High chloride concentrations lead to higher oxidation charges. The anodic and the cathodic charges were shown to increase as the chloride concentration increases. The open circuit potential transients of copper in non-deoxygenated, non-buffered synthetic seawater indicate pitting from the beginning of the exposure, while in buffered solutions the pitting appeared only after a quite long exposure period, i.e. after 40 days. Corrosion rates of Cu samples after 3 months of immersion were higher in solutions of pure chloride (0.5 M) than in synthetic seawater. After six months the differences were even more noticeable. SEM images have showed a somewhat higher density of pits on copper samples immersed in the chloride solution (0.5 M), in comparison with those in synthetic seawater.     

Application of Polytyramine Nanoparticles to the Corrosion Protection of Copper

Electrochemical polymerization of tyramine was achieved on copper electrode surface from tyramine in 0.3 M oxalic acid (pH=1.2) solution by using cyclic voltammetry technique. The formation of polytyramine nanoparicles (PTN) were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corrosion behavior of PTN coated copper was investigated by means of the change of open circuit potential with exposure time (E_ocp t), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic polarization curves in 3.5 % NaCl solutions at room temperature. The obtained results showed the shift of corrosion potential toward positive values for electropolymerized copper and a significant decrease in corrosion current and corrosion rate in comparison with bare copper, so that the PTNs coating could be used as an important protection against corrosion of copper.     

Characterisation of five coins from the archaeological heritage of Portugal

This paper reports a study carried out on three Roman and two Portuguese coins found in the archaeological site of São Pedro, in Fronteira (Alentejo, Portugal). The three Roman coins have been identified as a Follis, an AE 2 and an AE 3 (bronze alloys), while the Portuguese coins have been identified as a Ceitil (copper) and the “6 vinténs” (Ag–Cu alloy). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) has allowed the semi-quantitative determination of the elemental composition of both the corrosion products and the alloy used in the manufacture of the coins. The crystalline corrosion products constituents of the patinas were identified by X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The more deteriorated coin, the AE 3, was submitted to electrochemical studies in Na₂SO₄ aqueous solution and the corresponding data analysed. After 3 weeks, the E _OCP was still quite stable, ranging between ?0.050 and ?0.070 V vs. SCE; the corrosion resistance, R _p, was of the order of 5 to 3?×?10³ Ω. Chemical treatment of the sample by 1-h immersion in 0.1 M NaOH produced a more active surface, with R _p showing a decrease of a factor of about ten. On the other hand, it was concluded from voltammetric data that polarisations of E _a?≥?0.050 V vs. SCE led to copper oxidation, with no reduction of the other corrosion products.     

Characterization of the patina formed on a low tin bronze exposed to aqueous hydrogen sulfide

The dark gray corrosion layer (patina) formed on the surface of a polished low tin bronze alloy following exposure to a deoxygenated and saturated aqueous solutions of H₂S has been characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The system represents a model for bronze corrosion in reducing conditions where sulfate‐reducing bacteria in soils or deoxygenated seawater may generate H₂S during respiration. The initial surface was dominated by metallic copper together with Sn, Pb and Zn oxides and hydroxides. Surface enrichment of Pb and Zn was noted because of a smearing effect during polishing. At least some of the lead was crystalline. In contrast, the corrosion layer formed by H₂S(aq) exposure was dominated by polycrystalline Cu₂S (low and high chalcocite) and smaller concentrations of CuSO₄ · nH₂O. This surface was enriched with Zn as Zn(OH)₂. Lead was present as redeposited PbS (galena) crystallites in at least two different morphologies. Unlike bronzes exposed to oxidizing conditions, which develop protective SnO₂ layers, the H₂S(aq)‐exposed surface was considerably depleted in Sn. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Micro-Raman study of copper hydroxychlorides and other corrosion products of bronze samples mimicking archaeological coins

Three bronze samples created by CNR-ISMN (National Research Council—Institute of Nanostructured Materials) to be similar to Punic and Roman coins found in Tharros (OR, Sardinia, Italy) were studied to identify the corrosion products on their surfaces and to evaluate the reliability of the reproduction process. Micro-Raman spectroscopy was chosen to investigate the corroded surfaces because it is a non-destructive technique, it has high spatial resolution, and it gives the opportunity to discriminate between polymorphs and to correlate colour and chemical composition. A significant amount of green copper hydroxychlorides (Cu₂(OH)₃Cl) was detected on all the coins. Their discrimination by Raman spectroscopy was challenging because the literature on the topic is currently confusing. Thus, it was necessary to determine the characteristic peaks of atacamite, clinoatacamite, and the recently discovered anatacamite by acquiring Raman spectra of comparable natural mineral samples. Clinoatacamite, with different degrees of order in its structure, was the major component identified on the three coins. The most widespread corrosion product, besides hydroxychlorides, was the red copper oxide cuprite (Cu₂O). Other corrosion products of the elements of the alloy (laurionite, plumbonacrite, zinc carbonate) and those resulting from burial in the soil (anatase, calcite, hematite) were also found. This study shows that identification of corrosion products, including discrimination of copper hydroxychlorides, could be accomplished by micro-Raman on valuable objects, for example archaeological findings or works of art, avoiding any damage because of extraction of samples or the use of a destructive analytical technique.     

Electropolymerized coatings of polyaniline on copper by using the galvanostatic method and their corrosion protection performance in HCl medium

The synthesis of polyaniline coatings on the copper (Cu) surface has been investigated by using the galvanostatic method. The synthesized coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible absorption spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The anticorrosion performances of polyaniline coatings were investigated in 0.5 M HCl medium by the potentiodynamic polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The corrosion rate of polyaniline‐coated Cu was found to be ～27 times lower than bare Cu, and potential corrosion increased from ?0.21 V versus Ag/AgCl for uncoated Cu to ?0.19 V versus Ag/AgCl for polyaniline‐coated Cu electrodes. Electrochemical measurements indicate that polyaniline coating has good inhibiting properties with a mean efficiency of ~96% at 10 mAcm^?2 current density applied on Cu corrosion in acid media. The results of this study clearly ascertain that the polyaniline has an outstanding potential to protect Cu against corrosion in an acidic environment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Corrosion properties of nickel coatings obtained from aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes

Nickel was deposited on a copper substrate from aqueous and nonaqueous ethanol electrolytes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronovoltametry, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to study the effect of the solvent on the surface and corrosion properties of the Ni coatings formed. Unifom and relatively smooth Ni films were obtained as measured with microscopy techniques. The formation of a passive film in acidic, alkaline, and neutral chloride-containing media was confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The water-based nickel-plating electrolyte makes it possible to deposit coatings with higher corrosion resistance as compared with coatings deposited from ethanol electrolyte in NaOH and NaCl media. The proposed mechanism of corrosion in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution involves cycles of active-passive surface behavior due to its passivation by corrosion products.     

The effect of chloride concentration and pH on pitting corrosion of AA7075 aluminum alloy coated with phenyltrimethoxysilane

The effect of chloride ion concentration and pH of solution on the corrosion behavior of aluminum alloy AA7075 coated with phenyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS) immersed in aqueous solutions of NaCl is reported. Potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization, open circuit potential, and weight loss measurements were performed. The surface of samples was examined using SEM and optical microscopy. Elemental characterization of the coating by secondary ion mass spectrometry indicates an intermediate layer between coating and aluminum alloy surface. The corrosion behavior of the aluminum alloy AA7075 depends on chloride concentration and pH of solution. In acidic or neutral solutions, general and pitting corrosion occur simultaneously. On the contrary, exposure to alkaline solutions results in general corrosion only. Results further reveal that aluminum alloy AA7075 is susceptible to pitting corrosion in all chloride solutions with concentrations between 0.05 M and 2 M NaCl; an increase in the chloride concentration slightly shifted both the pitting and corrosion potentials to more active values. Linear polarization resistance measurements show a substantially improved corrosion resistance value in case of samples coated with PTMS as compared to uncoated samples in both neutral (pH = 7), acidic (pH = 0.85 and 3), and alkaline chloride solutions (pH = 10 and 12.85). The higher corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloy coated with PTMS can be attributed to the hydrophobic coating which acts as a barrier and prevents chloride ion penetration and subsequent reaction with the aluminum alloy.     

In situ investigations of the interaction of small inorganic acidifying molecules in humidified air with polycrystalline metal surfaces by means of TM‐AFM,IRRAS, and QCM

Initial atmospheric corrosion of copper, silver, and iron induced by humidity and oxidizing agents was studied in situ by three highly surface‐sensitive and complementary techniques: infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and tapping‐mode atomic force microscopy (TM‐AFM). These techniques deliver information about the change of the topography of the sample surfaces with emphasis on the shape and lateral distribution of the corrosion products grown within the first 1300–2800 min of weathering (TM‐AFM), as well as chemical (IRRAS) and kinetic (QCM) data. A completely different mechanism of the initial stages of atmospheric corrosion of the three investigated metals could be observed. A uniform growth of corrosion products was seen on the copper surface (identified by IRRAS and XPS to be cuprite‐like) during exposure to synthetic air with 80% relative humidity (RH), whereas the iron surface remained unattacked. The investigations of the silver surface exposed to humidity revealed that silver is attacked by humidity and tends to form oxide and hydroxide surface species. While an increased humidity content of the surrounding atmosphere causes higher corrosion rates on copper, on the exposed silver sample only a change in the degradation mechanism could be observed. The addition of SO₂ to the humidified air causes the growth of so‐called ‘second‐order’ features on copper, identified to be CuSO₃ · xH₂O‐like, which reveals the formation of a new chemical species on the investigated surface. These features are placed on top of the homogeneous formed oxide layer and tend to form well‐defined islands. In contrast to copper, on a silver surface exposed to humidity and SO₂ no new chemical species are formed; nevertheless an increased corrosion rate could be observed owing to a change of the chemistry in the physisorbed water layer. Iron exposed to humidity and SO₂ still remains unattacked. An iron surface is attacked only if exposed to humidity and SO₂ and NO₂, which show a synergistic effect by the oxidation of four‐valent sulfur‐oxygen species by NO₂. Such an attack leads to the formation of pitting corrosion, which was observed in situ and time‐resolved. The pits mainly occur on predamaged surface structures, such as scratches caused from the polishing process of the samples, and therefore promote the initiation of the corrosion. The results obtained demonstrate the high potential of the surface‐sensitive methods applied for investigating the early stages of corrosion of different metals and for obtaining a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms during degradation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inhibition of copper corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solutions by a new pyrimidine derivative: electrochemical and computer simulation techniques

A new pyrimidine heterocyclic derivative, namely 2-ethylthio-4-(p-methoxyphenyl)-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (EPD) was prepared and its inhibition performance towards copper corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solutions was studied by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) measurements. Experimental investigations showed that EPD reduces markedly the copper corrosion in 3.5% NaCl solutions. EFM can be used as a rapid and non destructive technique for corrosion rate measurements without prior knowledge of Tafel constants. Monte Carlo simulation technique incorporating molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics can be used to simulate the adsorption of pyrimidine derivative (EPD) on the Cu (111) surface in 3.5% NaCl.     

A study of copper corrosion inhibition by self-assembled films of 3-mercapto-1<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>-1,2,4-triazole

Self-assembled monolayers of 3-mercapto-1H-1,2,4-triazole (MTA) was formed over a copper surface at various immersion periods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterize the films. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed for the characterization of surface morphology. The wettability of the film was examined using contact angle measurements. The corrosion protection ability of the films was assessed in a chloride solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization measurements. The results of the study clearly ascertained the protection ability of self-assembled films of the MTA over copper. The theoretical studies also vouched for the experimental results.     

Chemical stability of nonwetting, low adhesion self-assembled monolayer films formed by perfluoroalkylsilanization of copper

A self-assembled monolayer (SAM) has been produced by reaction of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyldimethylchlorosilane (PFMS) with an oxidized copper (Cu) substrate and investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), friction force microscopy (FFM), a derivative of AFM, and contact angle measurement. FFM showed a significant reduction in the adhesive force and friction coefficient of PFMS modified Cu (PFMS/Cu) compared to unmodified Cu. The perfluoroalkyl SAM on Cu is found to be extremely hydrophobic, yielding sessile drop static contact angles of more than 130 degrees for pure water and a "surface energy" (which is proportional to the Zisman critical surface tension for a Cu surface with 0 rms roughness) of 14.5 mJm2(nMm). Treatment by exposure to harsh conditions showed that PFMS/Cu SAM can withstand boiling nitric acid (pH=1.8), boiling water, and warm sodium hydroxide (pH=12, 60 degrees C) solutions for at least 30 min. Furthermore, no SAM degradation was observed when PFMS/Cu was exposed to warm nitric acid solution for up to 70 min at 60 degrees C or 50 min at 80 degrees C. Extremely hydrophobic (low surface energy) and stable PFMS/Cu SAMs could be useful as corrosion inhibitors in micro/nanoelectronic devices and/or as promoters for antiwetting, low adhesion surfaces or dropwise condensation on heat exchange surfaces.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of Cu compounds for the development of organic protection treatments dedicated to heritage Cu objects preservation

The preservation of bronze and copper heritage objects is challenging. Exposure to water or pollution in outdoor conditions leads to corrosion phenomena, which can highly degrade the objects or structures. We aim to develop an alternative nontoxic corrosion inhibiting treatment, based on the use of a carboxylate (HC₁₀) treatment. Electron spectroscopies (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning Auger microscopy) are used to determine, from micrometric to nanometric scale, the composition and chemical environments (oxidation degrees) of the copper compounds commonly found in the corrosion product layer. In the present study, we focus on the evaluation of X-ray beam irradiation damage when performing surface analysis on cuprite, brochantite, and Cu decanoate reference samples. The reduction phenomenon has already been reported, especially for Cu(II) compounds, but not clearly explained. Different behavior has been observed depending on the X-ray source used, and the nature and hydration level of the compounds. The photoreduction issue is critical, as it guarantees the reliability of the chemical information obtained and sheds light on the best analysis pathway to adopt when multitechnique analyses are implemented. An analytical procedure is employed to track the reduction of Cu(II) reference samples during XPS analysis evidencing practically instantaneous modifications of the spectra and thus, the instability of these phases except for the dehydrated cuprite sample.     

Solvothermal syntheses of Cu3P via reactions of amorphous red phosphorus with a variety of copper sources

Polycrystalline Cu₃P was successfully prepared under a wide variety of solvothermal conditions. The reaction of red phosphorus with several copper sources (copper metal, copper (I) iodide, copper (I) chloride and copper (II) chloride) at 150-200 °C for 1-2 days in water produced Cu₃P. Products were examined with powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Thermal analyses and optical spectroscopy were also performed. A detailed list of reaction conditions, products and impurity phases (where applicable) are reported.