Work

The origin and evolution of copper patina colour

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: The copper patina colour has been systematically explored through a large set of short- and long-term exposed copper metal samples. The initial brown-black appearance is attributed to semiconducting properties of cuprite (Cu2O) and fully attained at thickness 0.8 ± 0.2 μm. The characteristic green-blue appearance is due to the colour forming Cu(II)-ion in the outer patina layer which needs to be 12 ± 2 μm to fully cover the inner cuprite layer. No significant influence of atmospheric environment on patina colour is discerned. The green-blue patina colour on historic copper was attained after shorter exposures than in modern copper due to more inhomogeneous microstructure.

Source: Corrosion Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2019.05.025

Authors: C. Leygraf, T. Chang, G. Herting, I. Odnevall Wallinder

Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,130

Funder: Copper Development Association