Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Archaeology - Department of Conservation

Use of iron in ornamental metalwork This opening chapter provides a historical background of the ornamental ironwork as sourced from the literature review: detailing the types of iron alloys and origins of its use in ornamental and structural ironwork. Moreover it presents an overview of the casting, joining, welding, painting and coating processes of ornamental ironwork. Examination and analysis of the selected ornamental ironworks This chapter includes investigative and analytical techniques used in order to comprehend the serious problems that affect the selected ornamental ironworks, which include a spiral cast iron staircase inside the clock tower of Muhammed Ali{u2019}s mosque at Salah Ed-din Cairo citadel and an ornamental iron window grill inside the mosque of prince Aasy in Elmahalla Elkubra city. A plan for the conservation of these objects was proposed based on these results. Experimental study to evaluate the efficiency of the selected protective methods This chapter consists of the experimental study of the research which aims to evaluate the efficiency of organic coating materials and corrosion inhibitors to protect ornamental cast ironwork from corrosion in uncontrolled environment. Four organic coatings have been studied; a methyl acrylate / ethyl methacrylate copolymer resin (Paraloid{u2122} B-72) dissolved in acetone, an ethylene copolymer wax (Poligen® CE 9), Permalac (N-Butyl acetate-14.0) and Permalac EF (N-Butyl acetate-14.0). Two corrosion inhibitors have been studied; tannic acid and phosphoric acid. The best corrosion inhibitor and/or coating will be used to protect the selected ornamental ironworks (under study) from further corrosion and atmospheric agents.

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