The non-destructive sealing and protection of bronze by hydrophobic films with a Si-O-Si network structure

The conservation of excavated bronze artifacts faces persistent challenges in achieving effective yet nondestructive protection. Conventional protective materials frequently encounter limitations due to environmental toxicity, complicated synthesis processes, and demanding implementation conditions. This study presents an eco-friendly solution through ultrasonic-assisted extraction of banana peel to produce a green corrosion inhibitor (BNA). Electrochemical evaluation on simulated bronze revealed remarkable performance under optimal conditions (298 K, 1 h pretreatment), exhibiting: 5.7-fold enhancement in polarization resistance (from 810.72 to 4642.79 Ω·cm²), 92 % reduction in corrosion current density (19.46 to 1.621 μA/cm²), Maximum inhibition efficiency of 91.69 %. Multi-technique characterization (SEM-EDS/XRD/FT-IR/XPS/Raman/contact angle) demonstrated that silicon-containing organic compounds in BNA form a protective Si-O-Si/O-Si-O network via physicochemical adsorption. This hydrophobic film: 1. Creates an effective diffusion barrier against corrosive species; 2. Inhibits copper oxidation reactions; 3. Maintains artifact integrity without altering patina composition. Notably, BNA penetrates corrosion layers while preserving their original morphology and chemical characteristics, fulfilling essential requirements for archaeological conservation. The developed inhibitor combines environmental sustainability with practical application advantages, offering a promising solution for cultural heritage preservation.