Course on electrochemical techniques in metals conservation

Introduction to Electrochemical Techniques Used in Metals
    Conservation
July 12-16, 2004

3rd Summer course at the Haute Ecole d'Arts Appliques du canton de
Neuchatel, filiere conservation-restauration.

Lecturer:
    Christian Degrigny
    Assistant director of the Diagnostics Science Laboratories
    Malta Centre for Restoration
    Coordinator of ICOM-CC Metal Working Group

Electrochemical techniques are used extensively in corrosion science
to study the behaviour of metal artefacts in different environments.
Their first use in metals conservation dates back to the end of the
19th century. If these techniques were initially praised by
conservators, the resulting over-cleaning of artefacts rapidly
condemned them.

Today refined electrochemical treatments not only have their place
within the wide range of cleaning and stabilising techniques used in
conservation, but they have also been used for non destructive
in-situ monitoring of artefacts.

The renewed interest in these techniques is related to a better
control of applied parameters. Most conservators have a basic
knowledge of thermodynamics and of possible applications of
electrochemical techniques. However, they often lack a good
understanding of the kinetics involved and the side effects that can
occur.

During this course, the participants will be introduced to the
basics of electrochemical reduction techniques used in metals
conservation. Short theoretical sessions will be followed by
practical laboratory work. The lectures will be illustrated with
various case studies and a selected bibliography. This course will
allow the participants to acquire an overall knowledge of the use
and limitations of these techniques.

Course language: English
Course costs: SFr. 750.-
Accommodation: Student flats can be rented during the course period

Contact Valentin Boissonnas <v.boissonnas [at] heaa-ne__ch>.

Please note that the course has a maximum capacity of 10
participants. Participants will be taken according to application
date.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:65
                  Distributed: Thursday, April 8, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-17-65-015
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