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Inhibiting Corrosion

  • Post Date: 6/26/2018
  • Author: Christa Deacy-Quinn
  • Reading Time: 1 minute read

Collections has begun an ongoing project to reduce the risk of corrosion for the Museum’s metal artifacts. So far, we have completed this process for over 1,500 of our small metal artifacts.

  • closeup of student's hands applying label to baggie

Corrosion takes place when electrons from the surface of a metal object react with oxygen molecules in the surrounding air. To prevent or halt corrosion, we place artifacts in ziplock-sealed bags, and use what are called inhibitor strips to absorb the oxygen within. We then label the bags with the date for monitoring purposes.

  • collections students examine objects on table
    Collections Student Staff Rosario Barrera and Sarah Shelton prepare bags, labels, and inhibitor strips for this collection of gold weights.
  • collections student labeling object on table
    Sarah applying labels to a bag.
  • closeup of student's hands handling tweezer with objects on table
    Sarah placing an inhibitor strip in with one of the gold weights, before sealing it.
  • arrow pointing to label on baggie containing an artifact
    This reproduction gold weight monkey, which you might recognize from a recent exhibit, Beauty and Function: Gold Weights of the Akan, is now safe from further corrosion. 2014.03.0220