Conservation of metals 1402-KM-4Z-SJ

SEMINAR (DURATION AND SCHEDULE OF TOPICS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE).

Lecture 1
Introduction to Materials Science of Metals
Definition of metallic materials, physicochemical characteristics, methods of metal extraction from ores, classification of metals and alloys, discussion of relevant literature.

Lecture 2
Techniques of Shaping and Decorating Metal Artifacts (1 hour)
Basic materials and tools used in metal plastic processing, metal decoration techniques. Introduction to workshop terminology related to goldsmithing.

Lecture 3
Types of Corrosion and Forms of Deterioration of Metal Artifacts
Definition of corrosion, classification of corrosion types based on the mechanism of corrosion processes, environment, involvement of mechanical factors, extent, etc.; forms of damage; main corrosion stimulators.

Lectures 4–8
Methodology of Conservation of Metal Artifacts
Methods of removing corrosion deposits: mechanical, thermal, physical, electrochemical, and electrolytic.
Permanent and non-permanent methods of metal joining.
Methods of filling losses.
Methods and means of corrosion prevention. Anti-corrosion protective coatings.
Non-destructive testing of metal artifacts in conservation diagnostics (microscopic observation, photomicrography, alloy analysis by XRF, observation and photography under ultraviolet light).

Lectures 9–15
Characteristics of Metals and Alloys Used in Artistic Craftsmanship, Corrosion, and Methods and Means Used in Their Conservation
Aluminum, zinc, iron, tin, lead, copper, silver, gold — history of individual metals and their major alloys, occurrence and types of ores, extraction methods, physicochemical characteristics, alloy types, history of application in art and craftsmanship, typical corrosion changes, methods and means used in their conservation, discussion of conservation case studies depending on the exhibition environment and type of cultural heritage object applying conservation principles.

Terminology Related to Metal Artifacts
Presented and discussed in each lecture covering metal materials science, corrosion, crafts related to metal artifacts, and typology of objects.

Students prepare approximately a 15-minute presentation on topics related to metals and their alloys, which they present during the seminar sessions.