Corrosion Control & Prevention for Conservators (2 days)
Course Outline
Day 1:
1.1 Corrosion: What it is
1.2 Corrosion and Society
1.3 Basic concepts related to corrosion
1.4 Why does a metal corrode?
1.5 How does a metal corrode?
1.6 Forms of Corrosion: recognition, mechanisms and prevention
-uniform corrosion
-galvanic corrosion
-crevice corrosion
-pitting corrosion
-intergranular corrosion
-stress corrosion cracking
-hydrogen damage
1.7 The effect of environment on the rate and form of corrosion
- relative humidity
- air pollutants
- temperature
- water chemistry
1.8 Practical session
- visual identification of common metals
- measurement of corrosion potentials of common metals
- construction of galvanic series
- visual identification of corrosion processses
- principle of galvanic corrosion and cathodic protection
Day 2:
2.1 Common corrosion problems associated with gold, silver, copper, bronze, lead, aluminum and iron/steel artefacts when they are
- exposed to atmosphere
- buried in soil
- immersed in water
2.2 Effects of hot- and cold working the corrosion resistance of artefacts
-introduction to metal casting, brazing and soldering
-metallurgical factors and their influence on corrosion
-induced stress within artefacts and the impact on corrosion resistance
2.3 The nature and protective properties of corrosion products (layers) found on artefacts
- protective layers
- detrimental layers
- general guidelines for cleaning/removing corrosion products
2.4 Corrosion control and prevention
- modification of the local environment
- use of corrosion inhibitors
- use of metallic and organic coatings
- cathodic protection
2.5 Corrosion testing and monitoring
- unit of expression for corrosion rate
- coupon method for corrosion testing and monitoring
- electrochemical methods for corrosion testing and monitoring
2.6 Closing Session- Questions & Answers