Corroded medieval iron nail from the Studenica Monastery - Material analysis and laser cleaning

Abstract

In this paper, the state of an archaeological artefact (iron nail) originating from the Studenica Monastery (Serbia) has been presented as well as the possibility of laser cleaning its corrosion layers. To determine the presence of cracks and other defects in the sample, the digital radiographic method was used. The composition of the artefact was analysed by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) and energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The corrosion products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman Spectroscopy, and EDX microanalysis. The Nd:YAG laser was used for corrosion cleaning. The morphological modification of the surfaces cleaned by laser was analysed with optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results showed that the cleaning of thick corrosion deposits with a laser is difficult and very expensive. Therefore, it is necessary to combine mechanical or chemical methods with lasers.