Composition and corrosion phases of Etruscan Bronzes from Villanoviano Age.

Abstract

A neutron diffraction (ND) and neutron tomography (NT) study of laminated ancient bronzes was performed at the ISIS (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK) neutron source and at the BENSC reactor (Hahn-Meitner Institut, Germany). The samples are part of an 8th century BC Etruscan collection discovered in the necropolises of Osteria-Poggio Mengarelli and Cavalupo in the Vulci area (Viterbo, Italy). The study allowed us to derive-in a totally non-destructive manner-information related to the main composition of the objects, possible presence of alterations and their nature, crusts and inclusions, as well as structure of the bulk. The presence of some components is linked to a variety of questions such as the correct determination of the historical and cultural timeframe, place and method of production, technologies adopted and conditions for restoration and preservation. Moreover, the data analysis of corrosion products provides information about the past environments and the physical/chemical events that transformed the objects into a partially corroded matrix.