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Contribution of protein and polysaccharide binders to corrosion of gold‐imitating brass in illuminated manuscripts
Author(s) -
Kouril M.,
Jindrova E.,
Jamborova T.,
Stoulil J.,
Dernovskova J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
materials and corrosion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.487
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1521-4176
pISSN - 0947-5117
DOI - 10.1002/maco.201408169
Subject(s) - brass , corrosion , relative humidity , materials science , metallurgy , composite material , copper , meteorology , physics
The survey of 10‐century‐old illuminations showed that the gold‐like areas were made with the use of brass powder. Since this layer has been showing significant damage, it is vital to identify the degradation mechanisms to prevent the priceless manuscript from further deterioration. Degradation of the pseudo‐gilded areas, such as darkening of the metal phase and disintegration of the binder, are well visible on the illuminations. The aim of the study was to compare the corrosivity of brass induced by binders using artificial aging tests modelling the conditions for the deposition of illuminated documents in the archives. Egg white, gum Arabic, isinglass and parchment glue were applied throughout the experiments. The samples on brass coupons and electrical resistance probes (ER‐probes) were subjected to artificial aging at a high relative humidity and in the air containing acetic acid vapour and the effect of an increased relative humidity on the corrosion behaviour of brass was evaluated. Corrosion depth of the ER‐probes versus time was evaluated as well. The results show that the presence of the binder layer on brass increases the corrosion rate of brass at an elevated relative humidity of ambient air. Protein‐based binders resulted in a higher corrosion rate of brass probes compared to that of polysaccharide‐based binder – gum Arabic.