Non-destructive analysis of corroded pipes
Metal antiquities form an important part of European heritage and these artefacts need to be preserved. Atmospheric corrosion can cause serious damage, in particular to lead and lead tin alloys of organ pipes. Up until this research, an established method either to protect or preserve these valuable instruments or other historically significant objects had not been defined. A team of researchers, based at the University of Bolognia in Italy, set out to provide a solution. They produced guidelines defining a workable method to take and use samples of corroded pipe metal. This new method will allow users to gain the maximum amount of information from the sample with the minimum amount of damage to the pipe. The method has been designed in order to enable the study of the microstructure and composition of corroded pipes. It goes beyond making recommendations and, in so doing is the first coherent method for these kinds of studies. The researchers have also set up a method to subdivide the sample for analysis. This includes non-destructive analysis of corrosion products, microstructural analysis and chemical analysis of the metal. This novel analysis can be applied to the study of corrosion of lead and lead-tin alloys of organ pipes. In addition, it can be used to study metal antiquities by restorers who provide samples to researchers.
