Analytical study by SEM/EDX and metallographic techniques of materials used in the iron production process during the iberian period

Abstract

This work is the archaeometric study of different types of materials used in iron production in the Iberian Period (6th–2nd century b.c.). The materials were recovered in several archaeological digs (which makes it possible to date the archaeological remains) on different sites in the Levante area of the Iberian Peninsula. The samples selected for this study belong to different materials used in the ancient iron production process such as ores, slags, finished objects, etc. The use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is proposed to observe surface images of the samples to determine their morphological, microstructural and topographic characteristics to obtain valuable information on the materials studied. The study also proposes chemical analysis of the elements in the sample by X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX) which provides both qualitative and quantitative information. The archaeometric study suggests that the iron obtained was very good quality, but the process was not economically efficient when viewed from today's perspective. Furthermore, the slag produced in the furnace can be related with the slag or impurities contained in the iron. It has also been possible to relate the ores and slag, some furnace conditions, the use of fluxes and also to differentiate types of slag.