Protection and strengthening of restorable iron products

Abstract

In this study, the issues of iron corrosion, the influence of various external factors, and impurities in iron on the development of corrosion were examined. The causes leading to corrosion, such as humidity, temperature, environmental composition, and contact with aggressive substances that promote corrosion, were analyzed. The work provides a detailed description of the mechanisms underlying the formation of corrosion, starting from the surface of the object to changes in its structure, which lead to distortion of shape and the formation of new growths that give a false impression of the object’s original form. The methods of protecting and reinforcing iron artifacts subject to conservation and restoration were explored. Experiments were conducted with corrosion inhibitors and their effects on various forms of rust, revealing interactions between them that influence the final outcome of iron object protection. Based on the obtained data, the authors developed a protective compound, which was successfully tested on trial objects and later on historical artifacts. Particular attention was paid to the practical aspects of protecting and reinforcing iron objects susceptible to corrosion. The application of the compound allowed for the stabilization of degraded iron and the halting of corrosion processes.