Journal of Applied Chemistry · 1953 · 31 citations · 1 references
Natural SciencesArchaeologyMaterials ScienceArchaeological ConservationCorrosion ScienceMetal ConservationArchaeological Metal ConservationChemical PreservationIron Age ArchaeologyIron OxidesMetallurgical ArchaeologySoil CorrosionConservation Of Iron ArtifactsInorganic Material PreservationIron GeochemistryIron MetallurgyIron StabilityIronworks ArchaeologyMicrobial CorrosionMicrobial Corrosion Of Metals
Abstract Archaeological specimens of iron are occasionally found to be well preserved under conditions that would normally be regarded as highly aggressive. A striking example arose during excavations at Hungate, York, where iron articles were found in an excellent state of preservation after a period of about 2000 years. Investigation revealed that the lack of corrosion was attributable mainly to inhibition of the activity of sulphate‐reducing bacteria by tannates present in the soil. Phosphates likewise present probably assisted by reason of their known corrosion‐inhibitive properties.
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