Chemical and Morphological Changes of Historical Lead Objects as a Result of the Use of Electrolytic Reduction as a Stabilization Treatment

Abstract

This paper focuses on the evaluation of the treatment related to chemical and morphological changes of corroded lead artifacts when using electrolytic reduction as a stabilization method. Synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to study the chemical changes of the corrosion layer and on the top nanometer of surface, respectively. Neutron tomography and scanning electron microscopy were used to visualize potential morphological changes on millimeter and micrometer level, respectively. The results of this study have shown that electrolytic reduction is a reliable way to stabilize and conserve active corroded lead artifacts. The corrosion products are actually converted into metallic lead, while the morphological changes due to the treatment are limited.