Stabilization and treatment of corroded glass objects displayed in the museum of Jordanian heritage/(Jordan)

Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.7, No.2, 2007, pages 19-28

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19-28
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Articles
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Abstract:
A great collection of glass objects of different typology and colours has been displayed inthe museum of Jordanian heritage, Yarmouk University in Jordan since 1988. Four glasses ofthis collection represent a special case; they appear to be the most decayed and completelycorroded objects. As proved by EDX analysis, the multi corrosion layers were found to becompletely decomposed. SEM examination shows the outer crusts seem to be inhomogeneouspitted, curviplanar, surface-planar and highly fractured forms. Furthermore, backscatteredelectron images revealed the inner surfaces appear to be altered and lose its glassy nature. Thetreatment strategy of these objects depends firstly on stabilizing the corrosion process and theexpected devitrification chemically, through applying chemical inhibitors that have ability toarrest the continuity of corrosion reactions and prevent further damage of the original glass.Second, by consolidation of both the corroded layers and their underlying glass core, tostabilize them physically. A compatible preventive conservation plane that recommended fordisplaying the whole glass collection in the museum is established.
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Keywords:
Glass corrosion, Examination and analysis, Active stabilization, Consolidation, Preventive conservation