Second Postgraduate Conservation Research Seminar
Science Museum, London SW7 2DD, UK
8-9 February 1996

CONSERVATION OF ALUMINIUM AND ITS ALLOYS (ABSTRACT)

Chris Moynehan

Chris.Moynehan@bristol.ac.uk

Interface Analysis Centre, University of Bristol, Oldbury House, 121 St. Michael's Hill, Bristol BS2 8BS, United Kingdom

Although aluminium is a reactive metal, it is generally protected by a thin layer of passive oxide on its surface. Localised corrosion of aluminium will consequently take place at defects in the passive film, causing pitting. When this takes place in crevices it can be particularly destructive. It is thus necessary to treat aluminium objects with compounds to inhibit the corrosion reactions. Many commercial inhibitors exist, but are often unsuitable for conservation work because of their toxicity or irreversibility. The aims of this project are to develop and characterise the behavior of a suitable inhibitor for use on the Science Museum's collection of aircraft. To this end, a series of long-term atmospheric corrosion tests have been initiated, and work is underway on the development of a method for studying corrosion reactions in situ.

The methods, techniques, and conclusions found in individual papers are the work and responsibility of the author of the paper, and should in no way be thought to represent the opinion or endorsement of either the Journal of Conservation & Museum Studies, the Institute of Archaeology, or University College London. No liability or contract is accepted or implied by the publication of these data.

Copyright © Chris Moynehan, 1996. All rights reserved.
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/conservation/jcms/
jcms@ucl.ac.uk