3D fractures analysis and conservation assessment of wrought iron javelin through advanced non-invasive techniques

Abstract

Abstract3D imaging is a powerful tool of high resolution and non-destructive imaging technology for the study of ancient weapons and military technology, which reveals the original microstructures and corrosion patterns that threaten these artefacts. Here we report quantitative analysis of the 3D distribution and the orientation of fractures, and uncorroded metal particles within a wrought iron javelin unearthed at the Phoenician-Punic site of Motya, Italy. The study aimed to gain a better understanding of the relationship between corrosion and local stresses within the artifact and to evaluate its manufacturing technology, as well as the effects of post-treatment with Paraloid B72 on concretion and mineralized layers. The cracks were quantified in terms of content, size, and orientation. The condition of artefact storage was evaluated by a multi-analytical approach, including X-ray microscopy, field emission electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that a specific technique was used to create a sturdy, lightweight javelin with a central shaft for piercing or thrusting. The fractures appear elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the blade, showing the forging direction of the original metallic block. The study concluded that the artifact had not yet been stabilized due to the presence of lepidocrocite.

Ancient Roman Coins from the Republican Age to the Imperial Age: A Multi-Analytical Approach

“…Studies of archaeological objects can also improve knowledge in the field of long-term corrosion, helping scientists and curators to control and arrest the process of deterioration of ancient metal objects and selecting ideal storage conditions in museums [26,27].…”

“…Recently, new non-invasive techniques were introduced to explore corrosion mechanisms in archaeological artifacts which are useful for exploring corrosion, plastic, and aplastic deformations of archaeological artifacts [26,27,33].…”

Exploring the infiltrative and degradative ability of Fusarium oxysporum on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using correlative microscopy and deep learning

“…However, XRM enables sub-micron resolution analysis that cannot be achieved with microCT, thanks to its unique optics-based design. XRM offers a broad range of applications in energy materials research and batteries 12 , 13 , cultural heritage characterization and preservation 14 – 17 , biomedical engineering 18 , 19 , electronics and semiconductors 20 , 21 , life sciences 22 – 24 , and food analysis 25 , 26 . Deep Learning (DL) based XRM reconstruction is an emerging technology that involves the utilisation of trained neural networks following the acquisition of a set of X-ray projections (or radiographs) and the subsequent reconstruction of a volume.…”

Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM): A Multifaceted Tool for the Study of Geological Specimens

“…In Cultural Heritage research and conservation strategies, CLEM can be coupled with non-destructive techniques such as XRM and Raman spectroscopy for the study of ancient metallic artifacts, to reveal the original microstructures and corrosion patterns that threaten these unique objects. This approach unlocked a quantitative analysis of the 3D distribution and the orientation of fractures, as well as uncorroded metal particles within a wrought iron javelin unearthed at the Phoenician-Punic site of Motya, Italy [31]. Researchers also proposed an integrated workflow to explore corrosion mechanisms in ancient metallic artifacts based on CLEM, XRM, and Raman spectroscopy, which permits the extraction of the maximum information with the minimum sampling.…”