Voltammetric behaviour of an archeaological bronze alloy in aqueous chloride media

The interface archaeological bronze alloy‐chloride media was characterized by using linear sweep rate cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical behaviour of the Cu‐Sn alloy being different from pure copper and pure tin. In fact, the voltammograms show an anodic peak and two cathodic peaks. Surface examination revealed a compact layer which spread over the ancient material. The influence of different parameters such as scan rate, chloride concentration and repetitive cycling on the voltammetric response of the archaeological bronze was also studied. The results indicate that patina layer formation is a spreading process over the electrode surface leaving only small pores. Diffusion of the halide controls the growing rate of this layer. Two other anodic peaks are evidences when potential cycling increases. The oxidation became more difficult as a result of a constant layer thickness.