Stabilization of Iron Artifacts from Kaman-Kalehöyük: A Comparison of Chemical and Environmental Methods.

Testing of chemical stabilization treatments and desiccated and anoxic storage microclimates for the protection of archaeological iron stored in unsuitable climatic conditions was carried out by the conservation department of the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology at the Kaman-Kalehöyük excavation in Turkey. The chemical stabilization treatments involved alkaline sulfite, barium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Environmental stabilization was explored using RP-A oxygen scavengers in Escal® bags as part of the Revolutionary Preservation System (RP System®) manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. The efficiency of the chemical treatments was examined by comparison with mechanically cleaned iron objects. The efficiency of the storage systems was determined by comparing the chemically and non-chemically treated objects in the RP System® using RP-A scavengers and in polyethylene ziplock bags containing silica gel. The efficiency of these treatments and storage systems was examined and assessed at Kaman after a period ranging from 7 to 9 years. The anoxic and desiccating properties of the RP System® resulted in superior protective qualities over polyethylene bags with silica gel. The RP System® compensated for inadequate chemical stabilization and protected iron that had not been chemically stabilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]