Application of low-pressure hydrogen plasma to the conservation of ancient iron artifacts

Abstract

A new method based on the application of lowpressure hydrogen plasma has been developed for the restoration of iron artifacts. It efficiently removes chlorides and in this way essentially prevents any significant post-corrosion. The treatment temperatures of less than 400°C do not introduce any irreversible changes in the wrought iron, preserving its original composition, structure inclusions and morphology, which contain important information on the origin and manufacturing methods of the artifact. The experience obtained during the treatment of more than 50 artifacts showed that it is much easier for the conservator to uncover the original surface of the artifacts which were pretreated in the plasma as compared to those treated in the conventional way.