NANO-COPPER COMPOSITE CONSERVATION OF AN EGYPTIAN BRONZE SACRED IBIS BIRD STATUE: CASE STUDY

Abstract

Bronze was well known in ancient Egypt since the 12th dynasty (1991-1759 B.C). Bronze artifacts endure different

types of corrosion due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors before and/or after extraction. This led to various deteri

oration aspects: corrosion products of several colors, pits, cracks, grooves and lost parts. Nanometerials and

nanocomposites were widely used for the inhibition of micro – organisms, consolidation, and protection of arti

facts. But very few studies were concerned with the completion of lost parts, which is considered a challenge in

the conservation of cultural heritage. This research focused on finding out a suitable nanocomposite for this

purpose. Three polymers: Paraloid B-66, Plexisol P-550, and thermoplastic polyurethane were evaluated through

mechanical properties before and after exposure to artificial ageing (ultraviolet radiation). Nan-copper and

nano-silver particles were added in three concentrations 0.25. 0.5, 1% w/v to plexisol P-550, which donate the

best results to form nanocomposites. Shear strength and color change of nanocomposites were determined.

Transmission electron microscope TEM was utilized for characterization of nano-particles. Whereas stereomi

croscope SM, polarizing microscope PLM, scanning electron microscope SEM, attached with energy dispersive

X- ray unit EDX, and portable X-ray fluorescence p-XRF spectrometer were used to diagnose deterioration phe

nomena, to determine microstructure and to analyse chemical composition of the studied statue's alloy. Data

declared that 1% nano- copper plexisol P-550 composite was the best one for improving mechanical properties

without effect on color. It was applied for the completion of lost parts in an ancient Egyptian bronze sacred Ibis

bird statue, Late Period (664 -332 B.C), from the Grand Egyptian museum, Giza, Egypt.