An Early Egyptian Copper Basin: Characterization and Case of Warty Corrosion

Abstract

The work aims to study the manufacturing technique, microstructure features, and morphology and mechanism corrosion of a hammered copper basin belonging to one of the early metallurgy ages in ancient Egypt ( the old kingdom). The examination and analysis were carried out by USB microscope, polarized light microscope, scanning electron microscope equipped energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction. The results revealed that the basin was made of pure copper metal and manufactured as one piece by a hammering method. Metallographic examination showed a recrystallized microstructure, composed by the mechanical process for manufacturing the basin throughout hammering and annealing. The cylindrical body (rim) was in well- preserved state although it was covered with a thin layer of usual green corrosion products. The pustules of warty corrosion were formed on the inner surface of the rim. The curly shape of malachite corrosion were also observed. The morphology and mechanism of warty corrosion were presented and the difference between this type and the pitting corrosion was discussed. The characterization of the basin contributed to understanding and evaluating the preservation condition, which contributes to choosing the appropriate conservation process.