Electrochemical analysis of metallic heritage artefacts : time-lapse spectroelectrochemical techniques

This paper discusses the evaluation of metal conservation treatments using a specialized electrochemical cell. The cell can be deployed in a synchrotron beam line to make in-situ, time-lapse measurements on heritage metal alloys undergoing processes based on electrochemical treatments/measurements. We focus on two specific projects: (1) the evaluation of currently used stabilization processes for cupreous objects recovered from marine environments and (2) 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