Corrosion in copper and copper alloy artifacts and corrosion identification methods based on findings from the Tavşanlı höyük excavation

This thesis, titled "Corrosion on Copper and Copper Alloy Artifacts and Corrosion Reduction Methods Through the Artifacts from the Tavşanlı Höyük Excavation," investigates the chemical and physical properties of copper, examines the mechanisms of corrosion, its detection, and reduction methods for copper corrosion. Through the analysis of 16 selected copper alloy samples from the Tavşanlı Höyük excavation, the study identifies corrosion products, documents the resulting damage, and explores preventive conservation measures. Despite their enduring use throughout history, copper and copper alloys are susceptible to environmental corrosion, which degrades their structure over time. In this study, the causes, types, analytical detection techniques, and reduction methods of corrosion are discussed in detail. In addition, various methods used to identify corrosion are explained through practical applications on the finds from the Tavşanlı Höyük excavation. Based on the Tavşanlı Höyük and its copper-based artifact finds, the type and causes of corrosion, the effect of the alloy on corrosion, and the underground conditions were investigated, and descriptions were made for each of the 16 artifacts. Using a microscope and XRF, the crystal structure, corrosion color, and underground conditions were evaluated, offering insights into the causes of corrosion formation and recommendations for the storage conditions of the finds in the repository. Metal artifacts buried underground suffer damage from environmental factors like moisture and soil composition. Many factors, such as moisture, salt, and pH levels in the soil, contribute to the corrosion products that emerge as a result of this damage. Identifying these degradation factors determines the conservation methods to be applied. Conservation science aims to preserve artifacts by identifying the causes of their deterioration and applying appropriate preservation methods without compromising their original materials and aesthetics. In this context, our study aims to characterize copper alloy artifacts, identify degradation factors, define the resulting corrosion products, determine the damage they cause, and provide the necessary information for proper conservation practices.