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The Use of Neutron Analysis Techniques for Detecting The Concentration And Distribution of Chloride Ions in Archaeological Iron
Author(s) -
Watkinson D.,
Rimmer M.,
Kasztovszky Z.,
Kis Z.,
Maróti B.,
Szentmiklósi L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
archaeometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-4754
pISSN - 0003-813X
DOI - 10.1111/arcm.12058
Subject(s) - neutron activation analysis , corrosion , chloride , materials science , neutron activation , excavation , ion , neutron , metallurgy , mineralogy , geology , chemistry , radiochemistry , physics , geotechnical engineering , nuclear physics , organic chemistry
Chloride ( C l) ions diffuse into iron objects during burial and drive corrosion after excavation. Located under corrosion layers, C l is inaccessible to many analytical techniques. Neutron analysis offers non‐destructive avenues for determining C l content and distribution in objects. A pilot study used prompt gamma activation analysis ( PGAA ) and prompt gamma activation imaging ( PGAI ) to analyse the bulk concentration and longitudinal distribution of C l in archaeological iron objects. This correlated with the object corrosion rate measured by oxygen consumption, and compared well with C l measurement using a specific ion meter. High‐ C l areas were linked with visible damage to the corrosion layers and attack of the iron core. Neutron techniques have significant advantages in the analysis of archaeological metals, including penetration depth and low detection limits.