Application of Pecvd in the Conservation of Metallic Cultural Heritage: A Review

Abstract

Plasma technology is a modern, non-conventional technique with a wide range of applications in various fields. Plasma-based material processing technology aims to modify the chemical and physical properties of metallic, polymer, textile, and dielectric surfaces. Plasma processing techniques include plasma etching, cleaning, plasma surface activation and functionalization, and plasma deposition. Plasma processing has attracted the attention of cultural heritage restoration due to its low temperature, selectivity, durability, and effectiveness. The goal of this work is to introduce readers to previous studies on the different uses of plasma-based technology in the conservation and restoration of metallic cultural and historical artifacts. It focuses on the role of the different plasma-based coating techniques especially plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) for archaeological and artistic metallic artifacts that need reversible coatings with a pleasing aesthetic appearance and a good barrier effect against atmospheric pollution at low temperatures.