Examination of the Microstructure of Findings from Bronze Age

Abstract

Examination of three findings (a hammer axe from the Bronze Age, a bracelet of Aunjetitz, and a pick with neck-disc) from the Bronze Age was performed by the Research Group on Archeometallurgy of the University of Miskolc. The chemical composition, the phase constituents and the microstructure of the findings was examined. Beyond the common analysis of chemical composition features of the microstructure was examined, and data from the production process were collected (metallurgical processes, casting, cold and hot deformation). It was stated that the bracelet is produced by casting; the hammer axe and the pick give the final shapes by hammering after casting. Not only the annealed and hammered microstructure, but the casted primer microstructures were analyzed by application of different etching techniques. The chemical compositions and structures of inclusions were analyzed by SEM-EDS technique. The amount, shape and ordering was examined of the inclusion on micrographs. The aforementioned results gives a detailed study of producing process of the findings which was compared the newest technological knowledge.