Reversible protective and consolidating coatings for the ancient iron joints at the Acropolis monuments

Authors

  • Giasemi Frantzi Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA)
  • Michail Delagrammatikas School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens
  • Olga Papadopoulou School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens
  • Charalampos Titakis School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens
  • Eleni Aggelakopoulou Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA)
  • Panayota Vassiliou School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v11i4.1341

Keywords:

Paraloid, Poligen, atmospheric corrosion, polymer coatings, ancient iron, Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

This work presents a corpus of measurement methodologies utilized during a multidisciplinary project, aiming at the protection and conservation of ancient steel joints (clamps and dowels) of the Acropolis monuments, undertaken by the Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA). The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of the National Technical University of Athens collaborated with YSMA in designing and evaluating laboratory scale and field experiments, aiming in testing conservation materials.

The first phase involved the application of seven coating systems on uncorroded metal coupons. The application characteristics, physicochemical properties (colour, gloss, hydrophobicity), and the protection performance against accelerated corrosion and polymer photo-oxidation were measured. Poligen CE12 and Paraloid B67 +2% nano-alumina were selected as the two most suitable materials for pilot applications on corroded steel joints and outdoor field exposure at the monument site.

The assessment of the two coatings reversibility and of the corroded surfaces chemical alteration was undertaken by Raman spectroscopy analyses and orthophotographic documentation. During the 1-year field exposure, the corrosion development was retarded, but some local events of active corrosion could not be prevented. The joint areas coated with Paraloid B67 enhanced with 2% nano-alumina enabled more uniform application on corroded surfaces and exhibited better corrosion protection. In case of Poligen CE12, the nature of corrosion products indicated local acceleration of corrosion reactions.

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Published

2022-12-21

Issue

Section

Research Papers