Time resolved spectroelectrochemistry studies for protection of heritage metals

This paper discusses the evaluation of metal conservation treatments using a specialised electrochemical cell. The cell can be deployed in a synchrotron beam line to make in situ, time resolved, measurements on heritage metal alloys undergoing processes based on immersion in aqueous treatment solutions, electrochemical treatments/measurements. The present paper focuses on two specific projects: the evaluation of corrosion potential data as a simple monitoring method during the stabilisation of cupreous objects recovered from marine environments and the development and testing of a coating to protect lead objects which is stable, reversible (i.e. easy to apply and to remove), protective against corrosion and aesthetically justified