Raman investigation of corrosion products on Roman copper-based artefacts

Authors

  • Leila Es Sebar
  • Leonardo Iannucci Politecnico di Torino - Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1996-1958
  • Yuval Goren
  • Peter Fabian
  • Emma Angelini
  • Sabrina Grassini

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/acta_imeko.v10i1.858

Abstract

This paper illustrates a case study related to the characterisation of corrosion products present on recently excavated artefacts. The archaeological findings, from the Rakafot 54 site (Beer-Sheva, Israel), consist of 23 coins and a pendant, all dating back to the Roman period. Raman spectroscopy was used to identify the corrosion products that compose the patina covering the objects. To facilitate and support their identification, spectra were then processed using principal components analysis. This chemometric technique allowed the identification of two main compounds, classified as atacamite and clinoatacamite, which formed the main components of the patinas. The results of this investigation can help in assessing the conservation state of artefacts and defining the correct restoration strategy.

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Published

2021-03-31

Issue

Section

Research Papers