A case study for scientific research prior to conservation of marine metal artefacts

Journal article (2021)

Authors

Janneke van der Stok-Nienhuis Universiteit van Amsterdam
Elisabeth Kuiper Universiteit van Amsterdam
Tonny Beentjes Universiteit van Amsterdam
Ineke Joosten Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
L. van Eijck RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials - AS
Z. Zhou RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials - AS
Maarten van Bommel Universiteit van Amsterdam
Research Group
RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2021 Janneke van der Stok-Nienhuis, Elisabeth Kuiper, Tonny Beentjes, Ineke Joosten, L. van Eijck, Z. Zhou, Maarten van Bommel
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.102909
More Info
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

RST/Radiation, Science and Technology

Research Group

RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials

Abstract

A rare find of a high-status 17th century oval box, retrieved from a shipwreck, provided a unique opportunity to research the construction and finishing layers of an object that is untouched for 350 years. This case study was used to demonstrate the extent of data that can be gained from analytical techniques prior to conservation. The amalgam-gilt brass object was studied by optical and electron microscopy, X-radiography, micro-computed X-ray tomography, neutron tomography, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, proton-induced X-ray emission and gas chromatography. The results have led to a characterisation of the manufacturing methods used on the box and to a better understanding of the practicality of modern analytical methods and techniques in (maritime) archaeological research.