Microstructure and chemical composition of a Sardinian bronze axe of the Iron Age from Motya (Sicily, Italy)

Bernabale, Martina; Nigro, Lorenzo; Montanari, Daria; Niveau-de-Villedary, Ana Maria; Vito, Caterina De

doi:10.1016/j.matchar.2019.109957

Cited by 16 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…The “islands” were mainly constituted of lead (54.6 wt%) and were named β-phase. β-phase had a porous and dendritic microstructure, which is typical of lead in the complex alloys 16 – 18 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The presence of lead islands within the bronze matrix can be explained considering the very low miscibility of lead in copper: when the two metals are mixed in liquid phase, copper solidifies at a higher temperature than lead, which therefore is still in the liquid phase 19 , 20 . The solidification of lead in a Cu–Pb system could be reached only at the alloy eutectic temperature (326 °C): this induced the formation of grain boundaries that were observed in the cross sections 16 . The presence of an unmixed phase of lead provided an additional indication of the casting condition and of the formation of the metallic object in the glass waste.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On the contrary, under slow cooling rate, the two phases tend to separate, and lead is expulsed from the matrix. In addition, the β-phase had no organised structure or orientation and this indicates that during the solidification no external forces or mechanical processes were acting on it 16 , 23 , 24 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Chemical analysis and computed tomography of metallic inclusions in Roman glass to unveil ancient coloring methods

Turo

Moro

Artesani

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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This paper describes the analysis of two near-spherical metallic inclusions partially incorporated within two Roman raw glass slags in order to elucidate the process that induced their formation and to determine whether their presence was related to ancient glass colouring processes. The theory of metallic scraps or powder being used in Roman times for glass-making and colouring purposes is widely accepted by the archaeological scientific community, although the assumption has been mainly based on oral traditions and documented medieval practices of glass processing. The analysis of the two inclusions, carried out by X-ray computed tomography, electrochemical analyses, and scanning electron microscopy, revealed their material composition, corrosion and internal structure. Results indicate that the two metallic bodies originated when, during the melting phase of glass, metal scraps were added to colour the material: the colloidal metal–glass system reached then a supersaturation condition and the latter ultimately induced metal expulsion and agglomeration. According to the authors’ knowledge, these two inclusions represent the first documented and studied finds directly associated with the ancient practise of adding metallic agents to colour glass, and their analysis provides clear insights into the use of metallic waste in the glass colouring process.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Chemical analysis and computed tomography of metallic inclusions in Roman glass to unveil ancient coloring methods

Turo

Moro

Artesani

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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“…However, laboratory simulations do not take into account important factors, such as mechanical stress affecting artefacts, which undergo a production phase and random environmental variations that can occur during long periods of burial history. Indeed, the study of ancient alloys permits the evaluation of metal behaviours and corrosive processes in different burial environments [8,[16][17][18][19]. Experimental studies on the long-term corrosion mechanism of alloys at the micro and nanoscales, and the distribution of damage, represent one of the major challenges that must be addressed to protect archaeological objects [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Micro and Nanoscale Structures and Corrosion Patterns in Brass: The Case Study of Ancient Roman Orichalcum Coins

Fazio

Felici

Catalli³

et al. 2022

Minerals

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This study investigated the micro and nanoscale structure in Cu-Zn alloy, as well as its corrosion patterns. To achieve this goal, a set of Roman orichalcum coins were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray maps, high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (HR-FESEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analyser (EMPA) techniques. The samples showed a high degree of corrosion on their external surfaces, which evolved in depth up to ~1 mm. Micro and sub-micro imaging of the inner metal highlighted the presence of “stressed areas” caused by mechanical processing work, representing the trigger zone of corrosion and causing the loss of material. These images also permitted us to follow the grain-grain interface and selective Zn-dealloying in the examined samples. X-ray maps of Cu and Zn helped us to understand the evolution of the dezincification process, from rim to core. HR-FESEM-EDS imaging investigation highlighted a heterogeneous composition within the strain line structures, confirming that the mechanically stressed areas were active zones for corrosion processes. Cracks and voids also characterised the patina. Conversely, the uncorroded cores of the samples were not affected by dealloying.

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“…The "Missione Archeologica a Mozia" of Sapienza University has been responsible for excavations on the island since 1964, under the leadership of Prof. Lorenzo Nigro starting from 2002. Excavations at Motya are characterized by a high degree of multidisciplinarity, including studies in the field of archaeozoology (Alhaique, 2012), petrography (Fabrizi et al, 2020) and metallurgical techniques (Bernabale et al, 2019). However, the only (preliminary) archaeobotanical analyses concerned cores from the submerged street connecting the islet to the mainland (Terranova et al, 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sacred and secular aspects of Phoenicians' life at Motya (Sicily, Italy) inferred by multidisciplinary archaeobotanical analyses

Moricca¹

2021

ROL

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The present study focuses on archaeobotanical analyses performed at the Phoenicians site of Motya, a small island (ca. 45 ha) located in the Stagnone di Marsala, in western Sicily.The study of macro-remains focused on two closed contexts: a votive favissa by the sacred area of "Cappiddazzu", and a disposal pit in Area D, both dating between the 8 th and the 6 th century BC. In the latter context, palynological analyses were also performed. The study allows to reconstruct sacred and secular aspects of humanenvironment interactions of Phoenicians at Motya, also providing information regarding past environment. Concerning the ritual sphere, ceremonial meals likely accompanied animal sacrifices. Food and flower offerings are also attested. Interesting is the finding of officinal plants and plants toxic to livestock. From the secular perspective, information was gathered on human diet, crop processing, import products and land exploitation. Finally, a combination of palynology and anthracology has allowed to describe the environment and highlight changes that occurred with time.

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Microstructure and chemical composition of a Sardinian bronze axe of the Iron Age from Motya (Sicily, Italy)

Cited by 16 publications

References 43 publications

Chemical analysis and computed tomography of metallic inclusions in Roman glass to unveil ancient coloring methods

Chemical analysis and computed tomography of metallic inclusions in Roman glass to unveil ancient coloring methods

Micro and Nanoscale Structures and Corrosion Patterns in Brass: The Case Study of Ancient Roman Orichalcum Coins

Sacred and secular aspects of Phoenicians' life at Motya (Sicily, Italy) inferred by multidisciplinary archaeobotanical analyses

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