Abstract
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and ion chromatography have been used to characterize the water and acetone soluble components of copper patina formed in the atmosphere. The patina samples examined were from the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor and from the copper roof at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey. Sulfate, nitrate, chloride, acetate, formate, and oxalate were detected in the water extract of the patina. Analysis of the acetone extract revealed the presence of organic compounds commonly detected in precipitation and associated with airborne particulates. These compounds include several monocarboxylic acids, alkanes, and polynuclear aromatic compounds. The results of the analyses described here provide further evidence for the participation of an organic binder in the formation, growth, and durability of copper patina.
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