Spectroscopy of Low Pressure Discharges Used for Plasmachemical Treatment of Archaeological Artifacts

Spectroscopy of Low Pressure Discharges Used for Plasmachemical Treatment of Archaeological Artifacts

Peer-reviewed article not indexed in WoS or Scopus

Plasmachemical treatment of the archaeological artifacts is a relatively new technique developed during the 1980s. The process is based on using low-pressure hydrogen plasma in which the artifacts (such as in this case silver coins and some pieces of iron) are treated for several hours, usually in more then one step. The problem is how long period of the plasmatic treatment is optimal and how to characterize its efficiency. The ancient artifacts always contain some corrosion layers on their surface. The studies focused on the composition of the layers show that various oxide and chloride complexes, usually containing crystalline water too, are the dominant compounds of the layer. Bulk corrosion contains especially chlorides and sulphides while surface corrosion is caused by oxygen and water.

Plasmachemical treatment of the archaeological artifacts is a relatively new technique developed during the 1980s. The process is based on using low-pressure hydrogen plasma in which the artifacts (such as in this case silver coins and some pieces of iron) are treated for several hours, usually in more then one step. The problem is how long period of the plasmatic treatment is optimal and how to characterize its efficiency. The ancient artifacts always contain some corrosion layers on their surface. The studies focused on the composition of the layers show that various oxide and chloride complexes, usually containing crystalline water too, are the dominant compounds of the layer. Bulk corrosion contains especially chlorides and sulphides while surface corrosion is caused by oxygen and water.

plasma conservation, archaeological artifact, optical spectroscopy

plasma conservation, archaeological artifact, optical spectroscopy

RAŠKOVÁ, Z., KRČMA, F., KLÍMA, M., KOUSAL, J.

10.09.2002

AV ČR

neuvedena

0009-2770

CHEMICKE LISTY

96

S

Czech Republic

S101

3