2025 Poster Session

Archaeological metal surfaces are a significant part of cultural and historical heritage, facing numerous challenges related to their preservation from corrosion and damage caused by various environmental factors. Recently, there has been growing interest in using natural oils as an effective means to protect these metal surfaces due to their unique properties in providing protection and insulation. This research aims to review strategies for using natural oils in preserving archaeological metal surfaces, focusing on evaluation and analysis techniques related to this approach.

IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

Archaeological metal surfaces, such as statues, jewelry, and historical tools, are prone to corrosion and deterioration due to changes in environmental conditions like humidity, temperature, and pollution. Natural oils may contribute to protecting these surfaces from environmental and mechanical damage due to their unique properties as insulating and protective agents. By studying the effectiveness of these oils, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of methods to enhance the preservation of these valuable artifacts.

STRATEGIES FOR USING NATURAL OILS

The strategies for using natural oils in preserving archaeological metal surfaces include:

1. Selecting Suitable Oils: The effectiveness of insulation and protection depends on the type of natural oil used. Common options include oils such as lavender oil, coconut oil, and pine oil, which are known for their anti-corrosive and environmental resistance properties.

2. Application Techniques: Techniques for applying oils to metal surfaces involve various methods such as brushing, spraying, and manual application. These methods differ in their effectiveness and coverage, requiring the selection of the most appropriate technique for each type of metal surface.

3. Reapplication Frequency: To ensure ongoing protection, oils may need to be reapplied periodically. The frequency of reapplication depends on the type of oil and the surrounding environmental conditions.

CONDUCTED ANALYSES

To evaluate the effectiveness of using natural oils, several analyses were conducted as follows:

1. Chemical Analysis:

* Spectral analysis was used to determine the chemical composition of natural oils and ensure there were no harmful additives. Results showed that natural oils contained compounds that interact positively with metal surfaces and do not cause adverse reactions.

2. Mechanical Analysis:

* Hardness and flexibility tests were conducted to assess the impact of oils on the strength of metal surfaces. Results indicated that the oils provide a protective layer without significantly affecting the mechanical properties of the metal.

3. Microbiological Analysis:

* The metal surfaces were examined to determine the impact of oils on microbial growth. Results showed that natural oils help reduce microbial contamination on surfaces, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of protection.

4. Thermal Analysis:

* Thermal expansion tests were conducted to evaluate the stability of oils under varying temperature conditions. Results demonstrated that natural oils maintain their protective properties at moderate and high temperatures.

5. Visual Analysis:

* Visual techniques were used to assess the improvement in appearance and protection of metal surfaces from visible damage such as scratches and corrosion. Visual images showed significant improvement in the condition of surfaces protected by oils.

RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The analyses indicated that using natural oils can be effective in protecting archaeological metal surfaces, providing an effective layer of insulation against corrosion and environmental damage. It is important to select appropriate oils and apply them in a manner suited to the type of metal and environmental conditions. Periodic reapplication of oils is recommended to adapt to environmental changes and ensure continuous protection.

This study demonstrates that natural oils represent a promising option for preserving archaeological metal surfaces, offering a sustainable solution to protecting them from damage. By integrating evaluation and analysis techniques, strategies for using natural oils can be improved, providing effective solutions for preserving cultural heritage.