JAIC 1990, Volume 29, Number 2, Article 7 (pp. 193 to 206)

BRONZE DISEASE: A REVIEW OF SOME CHEMICAL PROBLEMS AND THE ROLE OF RELATIVE HUMIDITY

DAVID A. SCOTT

ABSTRACT—A general review of some of the theories proposed to account for the process of “bronze disease” is presented from both the historical and chemical points of view. The corrosion product of most serious concern, cuprous chloride, and its inter-relationship with some of the other important corrosion products of copper alloys, such as the copper trihydroxychlorides, is reviewed. The critical RH for the transformation of cuprous chloride is discussed and suggestions are made concerning both the storage conditions for bronzes and the variety of conditions under which cuprous chloride can occur in excavated bronze.

Article Sections:

1. HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION
2. THE PRESENCE OF CUPROUS CHLORIDE IN CORRODED COPPER ALLOYS
3. THE REACTIONS OF CUPROUS CHLORIDE
4. BRONZE DISEASE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY
5. CONCLUSIONS
a: References , Author Information

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