Corrosion on metal artifacts
Often on old metal objects, we come across layers of rust stains this is an indicator of negligence and inadequate maintenance. Rust stains are common and can be seen on a variety of metal surfaces. If neglected, they can weaken an object’s structural integrity and reduce its visual appeal. Have you ever wondered what causes this phenomenon to occur? What starts the process that results in the creation of rust?
Understanding the long-term effects of rust is essential to maintaining the durability of metal objects such as weapons, swords, and so forth. Metal rusts when it comes into contact with oxygen and moisture. causing the corrosion-causing chemical reaction to begin. Rust is essentially the outcome of a chemical reaction called corrosion, which eats away at metal items’ surface over time, reducing their structural integrity and discoloring them overall.
What Causes Rust on Metal?
A type of corrosion known as rust arises when an iron object’s exposed surface starts to deteriorate. Any type of moisture, even air humidity, will cause the iron atoms in metal to react with oxygen molecules, forming iron oxide, which is what is usually known as rust. The exposed surfaces of items actively decay due to this chemical process called oxidation. The following is a description of the reaction.
Iron + oxygen + water = iron oxide (rust)
Any metal surface that contains iron, such as cast iron or steel, may rust. The amount of humidity in the air, the availability of oxygen, and the type of metal all affect how quickly something rusts. When rust attacks a metal object and no action is taken to prevent it, the metal can eventually become reduced to a dry powder. The latter phase is irreversible. Now it’s irreversibly destroyed. Therefore, it is always a good idea to take some practical preventive action to shield metal things from rust.
Every step done to extend an object’s life is included in preventive conservation. It is the responsibility of conservators, museum staff, and archivists to provide and uphold a safe environment for the items under their care. By inhibiting, preventing, or reducing the agents of deterioration, a successful preventive conservation program reduces the need for conservation treatment. Metals, whether in storage or on exhibition, are best protected in an environment with moderate temperature and relative humidity, shielding them from harmful light, UV and infrared radiation, dust, and air pollution.
Our specialty at ShreSha Museum Solution is developing storage and display solutions with the ability to regulate relative humidity in the atmosphere. To ensure the long-term preservation of museum-quality artifacts, including your priceless metal objects, we would like to suggest our micro-climate control system.
