FEASIBILITY STUDY OF NATURAL HONEY USE AS CORROSION INHIBITOR IN PROTECTING THE BRONZE ARTIFACTS

Abstract

Bronze disease is the most important phenomenon giving rise to the destruction of the bronze objects. There

are various methods for preventing and slackening the disease. In this regard The use of corrosion inhibitors

in the field of historical metal protection has been widely considered. But, the most important method which

is also the best method offered for such a purpose is the use of benzotriazol (BTA) and 2-amino-5-mercapto-

1,3,4-thiadiazol (AMT) inhibitors. Under ideal circumstances, these inhibitors deliver good inhibition and

can control the disease. The most important problem posed by such inhibitors is their being toxic and

carcinogenic. In the current research paper, the natural inhibitors residing Honey in concentrations ranging

from 1600ppm to 2000 ppm in sodium chloride corrosive solution, 0.5M, were applied on a bronze alloy in a

percentage similar to the archeological alloys, 10% Wt Sn, Cu-10Sn composition. The effects were evaluated

by the use of Potentiostat device based on weight loss ,humidifier space and SEM-EDX. The best inhibitory

power of honey was shown in a corrosive environment of 0.5M sodium chloride, 1800ppm, According to the

data from Potentialostato device and classical massometric method. SEM-EDX results of corroded surfaces

of coupons after one month in inhibitive and corrosive environment showed inhibitive effect for honey.