The project aims to design laboratory experiences for students to understand the chemical factors that cause and promote changes in metal-based artwork and adequate measures to prevent or slow down any observed changes. Metals are very reactive, and many factors contribute to their deterioration. Such factors depend on the artifact’s provenance, for example, maritime archeological sites, museums’ show windows, or display and storage in private collections. However, the rate of deterioration of a metal artifact can be slowed with proper preventative care. The learning experiences focus on studying metal (e.g., copper, silver, bronze, brass) corrosion and tarnish due to oxidative electrochemical treatments and exposure to sulfide solutions and hydrogen sulfide-rich atmospheres. These metal samples are then treated via galvanic and electrolytic reduction reactions to compare different conservation methodologies. The learning experiences are supported by conservative science work completed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Examples of the laboratory procedures, data, and results will be presented and discussed in light of their design and implementation for the General Chemistry laboratory program at Sam Houston State University.

Design of laboratory experiences in art conservation science: Electrochemical treatment of metal artifacts for cultural heritage preservation

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.