Micro‐Raman spectroscopy for the study of corrosion products on copper alloys: setting up of a reference database and studying works of art

Micro‐Raman spectroscopic analysis of different species of copper sulfates was carried out. Products such as antlerite, brochantite, posnjakite, langite and chalcanthite were investigated. These products are most likely to be formed as the result of atmospheric corrosion of copper alloys, e.g. bronze in sulfur‐bearing environments. A database containing the characteristic Raman spectra was set up. This database was then used to investigate some specimens of copper alloy artefacts, that had been exposed to the atmosphere. It was shown to be possible to identify the nature of the corrosion products formed, using micro‐Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.