This is a review of 190 years of literature on copper and its alloys. It integrates information on pigments, corrosion and minerals, and discusses environmental conditions, conservation methods, ancient and historical technologies.

Electrochemical corrosion and reduction / Marcel Pourbaix -- Corrosion product characterization / N.A. Nielsen -- Principles of gaseous reduction of corrosion products / C. Ernest Birchenall and Russell A. Meussner -- Some brief remarks on electrochemical reduction / Jerome Kruger -- Measures for preventing corrosion of metals / R.T. Foley -- A review of the history and practice of patination / Phoebe Dent Weil -- The production of artificial patination on copper / D.C. Hemming -- Beta iron oxide hydroxide formation in localized active corrosion of iron artifacts / F. Zucchi, G. Morigi, and V. Bertolasi -- The current status of the treatment of corroded metal artifacts / R.M. Organ -- Some constructive corrodings / Cyril Stanley Smith -- Conservation of rusty iron objects by hydrogen reduction / L. Barkman -- Restoration of large gilded statues using various electrochemical and metallurgical techniques / Fielding Ogburn, Elio Passaglia, Harry C. Burnett, Jerome Kruger, and Marion L. Picklesimer -- Problems of retrieval and retention of artifacts in field excavations / W. Trousdale.

The sixteen essays in this volume reflect a wide range of research concerning methods for metals conservation, particularly in respect to ancient and historic objects. The variety of issues discussed includes considerations in the cleaning of ancient bronze vessels; the processes involved in bronze casting, finishing, patination, and corrosion; studies of manufacturing techniques of gold objects in ancient African and medieval European metalworking; techniques of mercury gilding in the 18th century; an investigation of patina in the classification of bronze surfaces from land and lake environments; an examination of bronze objects from the Benin Kingdom, Nigeria; the history of restoration of the Marcus Aurelius monument in Rome; the corrosion of iron in architecture; and applications of radiographic tomography to the study of metal objects.

Corrosion due to water is one of the most significant and complex causes of damage to metallic products. Written from the viewpoint of physical chemistry, this authoritative and established text deals with the aqueous corrosion of metals. Available for the first time in English, Corrosion of Metal addressing engineers, metallurgists, physicists and chemists. This self-contained, valuable reference comprehensively organizes and makes readily accessible the accumulated wealth of fundamental and applied knowledge. The concentration is on the underlying essentials of corrosion and failure, and the material is consistently presented in relation to practical applications to corrosion protection. The first chapters introducing the physicochemical principles are ideal for students. The following chapters provide an overview of the state of research for those familiar with the fundamentals. An exhaustive bibliography and appendices conclude the volume.

Understanding long term corrosion processes is critical in many areas, including archaeology and conservation. This important book reviews key themes such as the processes underlying corrosion over long periods, how corrosion rates can be measured and materials conserved.After an overview of the study and conservation of metal archaeological artefacts, a group of chapters reviews long term corrosion in metals such as steel, iron and bronze. Other chapters review the impact of environmental factors on corrosion rates. The book also considers instrumental techniques for measuring corrosion such as electrochemistry and scanning electron microscopy, as well as ways of modelling corrosion processes. There is also coverage of the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors.With its distinguished editors and contributors, Corrosion of metallic heritage artefacts improves our understanding of long term corrosion and its effects. It provides a valuable reference for those involved in archaeology and conservation, as well as those dealing with the long term storage of nuclear and other waste. - Reviews long term corrosion in metals such as steel, iron and bronze - Considers instumental techniques such as electrochemistry for measuring corrosion

Over the past twenty years there has been a significant increase in underwater activities such as scuba diving which, coupled with the adventure andromance always associated with shipwrecks, has led to rapid developments in the discovery and excavation of shipwrecked material. These shipwrecks are invaluable archaeological 'time capsules', which in themajoriety of cases have come to an equilibrium with their environment. As soon as artefacts on the wreck site are moved, this equilibrium is disturbed, and the artefacts may commence to deteriorate, sometimes in a rapid and devastating fashion. In fact excavation without having conservation facilities available is vandalism--the artefacts are much safer being left on the sea bed. Such famous shipwrecks as the Mary Rose (1545), the Wasa (1628) and the Batabia (1629) have not only brought the world's attention to these unique finds, but have also produced tremendous conservation problems. The treatment of a 30 metre waterlogged wooden hull or large cast iron cannon is still causing headaches to conservators.

Literaturverz. S. 157 - 193.