Application of Electrochemical Methods to Assess the Stability and Investigation of Factors Influencing the Ancient Copper-Arsenic Artefacts from 3rd Millennium BC

Abstract

The Bazman district constitutes one of the four districts of Iranshahr City in the Sistan and Baluchistan province of Iran. This study examines the conduct of arsenic copper alloys in chloride environments. Electrochemical methods were used to investigate the corrosion rate of 5As alloys and ancient alloys from Spidej Bazman. Tafel plots (LSV) were used to determine corrosion rate, corrosion current density, and CV method for oxidation conditions. Different percentages of the alloy showed different corrosion rates. The behavior of chlorides on the corrosion of these alloys was investigated via soil solution sampling of Spidej Bazman at pH 10.85 with both manufactured and ancient alloys. Four types of corrosion morphology were identified in the arsenic bronze works of this site. These alloys' corrosion mechanism was investigated, and Type (I) corrosion was observed. To test corrosion behavior, the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique was employed. Electrochemical testing using line scan voltammetry demonstrated that the rise in chloride promotion efficiency led to greater migration of the arsenic element from the alloy. Corrosion morphology evident in artefacts unearthed from this site suggests persistent corrosion and bronze disease.