Refining the use of oxygen consumption as a proxy corrosion rate measure for archaeological and historic iron

Abstract

AbstractSince its introduction to the field of heritage science, oxygen consumption has found multiple applications in the assessment of artefact stability and the examination of conservation treatment efficiencies. Early papers identified various factors affecting oxygen measurements and produced preliminary data on their effects. This paper follows on from the early research by other workers and presents guidance on the application of oxygen consumption as a proxy corrosion rate measurement based on a decade of experience at Cardiff University. It examines the rationale for key aspects of the Cardiff protocols for oxygen consumption and presents data to underpin these. Finally, it provides instructional guidance for heritage scientists adopting oxygen consumption for their research applications.