Electrochemical Basis of Corrosion of Cultural Objects

Materials have accompanied mankind virtually from the beginning of its existence. Among all the kinds of materials, and very probably due to their aptitude to form alloys with versatile properties, metals have been of such technological importance that several ancient periods have been named after them: Chalcolithic Period (from Greek: chalcos = copper; lithos = stone), the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age. This sequence reflects their progressive production, extending from the early use of a few native metals probably some 10000 years ago, and continuing to this day with the development of ever more sophisticated alloys.