DETECTION OF CHLORIDES WITH SILVER NITRATE DURING THE CONSERVATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL IRON ARTIFACTS

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the methodology and practical use of protocols for detecting chlorides with silver nitrate in the conservation of archaeological iron artifacts before the start of conservation treatment. The article discusses the features of laboratory research on the detection of chlorides with silver nitrate in comparison with methods widely used in restoration due to their availability: research using optical microscopy and research in a humid chamber. Research methods. The historiographical method was used in the selection of sources. The article also uses comparative-analytical and empirical methods to correlate approaches to detecting signs of corrosion activity. Results. The paper highlights discrepancies in the regulations for laboratory testing with silver nitrate in the sources considered. The study traces the gradual development and refinement of the detection of signs of active corrosion, but the issue of determining chlorides on iron artifacts prior to conservation treatment remains insufficiently researched. At the same time, restrictions on the use of the silver nitrate method for detecting chlorides on complex objects and archaeological metal with low mechanical strength that cannot be immersed are justified. Conclusions. The study demonstrates the need to systematize the detection of signs of active corrosion on archaeological artifacts made of iron. It has been found that laboratory testing with silver nitrate significantly differs from other methods of determining signs of active corrosion due to its accessibility and informativeness. Further development of this method for testing objects at the stage prior to conservation treatment may be valuable for a more accurate assessment of the condition of the object, as well as for the selection of further conservation measures.