A Review of the Corrosion of Copper-Based Artifacts in Museum Collections by Organic Acids

ZHANG Ran; WU Yan; WANG Keqing; XU Mengying; LI Mo; CHENG Xiaolin

doi:10.11973/fsyfh240403

Corrosion & Protection > 2024 > 45(10): 41-51. > DOI: 10.11973/fsyfh240403

ZHANG Ran, WU Yan, WANG Keqing, XU Mengying, LI Mo, CHENG Xiaolin. A Review of the Corrosion of Copper-Based Artifacts in Museum Collections by Organic Acids[J]. Corrosion & Protection, 2024, 45(10): 41-51. DOI: 10.11973/fsyfh240403

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A Review of the Corrosion of Copper-Based Artifacts in Museum Collections by Organic Acids

ZHANG Ran^{1, 2, ,},
WU Yan^{1, 2},
WANG Keqing^{1, 2},
XU Mengying^{1, 2},
LI Mo^{1, 2},
CHENG Xiaolin^{1, 2}

1.
National Museum of China, Beijing 100006, China
2.
Key Scientific Research Base of Conservation on Metal Cultural Relics (National Museum of China), National Cultural Heritage Administration, Beijing 100079, China

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Received Date: June 19, 2024

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Abstract

Abstract

The corrosion mechanisms and products of copper-based artifacts in museum collections induced by formic acid and acetic acid are reviewed. It encompasses corrosion of the copper substrate, corrosion with chloride-products, and corrosion of copper-based artifacts containing alkaline Na and K compounds. Organic acids exhibit significantly different corrosion mechanisms and products depending on the presence of alkaline Na and K compounds. In the absence of Na and K compounds, the products include Cu(HCOO)₂, Cu(OH)(HCOO), Cu(OH)₂, Cu(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O, and Cu₄(OH)(CH₃COO)₇·2H₂O; whereas in the presence of alkaline Na compounds, the main products are Cu₄Na₄O(HCOO)₈(H₂O)₄(OH)₂, Cu₂(OH)₃(HCOO), and NaCu(CO₃)(CH₃COO). Numerous cases of copper-based artifacts corrosion by organic acids have been discovered globally in recent years, primarily yielding the latter products, which underscores the role of alkaline Na and K compounds and organic acids in corrosion. Sources of Na and K compounds include their introduction during casting, use, burial, and conservation-restoration processes of artifacts, as well as other materials in composite artifacts (such as glass or enamel), and the organic acids mainly originate from the volatilization or degradation of materials like wood, boards, paint, and adhesives in the storage and exhibition environment.
- copper-based artifact,
- corrosion,
- organic acid,
- formic acid,
- acetic acid

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A Review of the Corrosion of Copper-Based Artifacts in Museum Collections by Organic Acids

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