Microstructure and Chlorine Ion Corrosion Performance in Bronze Earring Relics.

Chlorine ions play an important role in the corrosion of bronzeware. This study employs techniques such as XRD, OM, SEM, EBSD, and electrochemical testing to analyze the microstructure, crystal structure, chemical composition, and corrosion performance of bronze earrings unearthed at the Xindianzi site in Inner Mongolia. The results indicate the presence of work-hardened structures, including twinning and equiaxed crystals, on the earrings' surface. With an increase in chloride ion concentration in NaCl solutions from 10⁻³ mol/L to 1 mol/L, the corrosion current density of the bronze earrings increased from 2.372 × 10⁻⁷ A/cm² to 9.051 × 10⁻⁷ A/cm², demonstrating that the alloy's corrosion rate escalates with chloride ion concentration. A 3-day immersion test in 0.5% NaCl solution showed the formation of a passivation layer of metal oxides on the earrings' surface. These findings underscore the significance of the impact chloride ions have on the corrosion of copper alloys, suggesting that activating the alloy's reactive responses can accelerate the corrosion process and provide essential insights into the corrosion mechanisms of bronze artifacts in chloride-containing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Materials (1996-1944) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)