Metals
X-ray absorption spectroscopy in cultural heritage research

Since Protohistory, particularly the Bronze and Iron Ages, metals have been used for domestic, warlike and artistic purposes. Whatever their original function, these objects are now part of our heritage, and their study is motivated both by the need to reconstruct past metallurgical techniques and to guarantee their long-term preservation.

In this field, the majority of XAS analyses probe problems of degradation, more specifically corrosion. What are the mechanisms involved? What factors are responsible for these reactions? Why are some alloys more resistant than others? An overview of these issues can be found in the reference