Thermosetting composites based on bronze particles for archaeological and artistic metal heritage cloning

Abstract

Artificial Metals are polymeric semi-metallic composites obtained by combining thermosetting resins with atomized metal powders in order to achieve composite materials capable of reproducing metals, even in a rusty or corroded condition. These composites provide a solution for the reproduction of archaeological artefacts, sculptures, and ornaments for the purpose of conservation.This work explores mechanical properties of three different resins bronze composites loaded with two different proportions of metal filler. The degree of conversion of the samples was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and flexural tests were carried out to determine their mechanical performance. In addition, the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to determine the morphology of the samples at the microscale.