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reactions to take place. With iron alloys, for example, we are concerned with the chief reaction product we can see, namely rust, actually a ferric oxide scale. In an earlier stage, as the ferrous compounds oxidize they also expand and this results in a scaling off of the affected surface. The different degrees of thermal expansion between the base metal and these corrosion products also results in cracks and a spalling off . These are the reactions which can seriously disfigure and ultimately destroy our iron alloy artifacts. I have only examined a few metal artifacts from your Federation area and most of these were recently from the surface or relatively shallow contexts. These particular artifacts were not showing the more easily visible signs of active corrosion. While the sample is much too limited for a reliable opinion it does seem side effects of the drier climate for the Federation area may be of major benefit in these matters. However, it can be expected that sub areas with localized sources of more corrosive agents will occur and create the usual problems. There are several options available for stabilizing and cleaning the metal artifacts in a responsible manner. The choices depend upon many variables, just as the different kinds of metal corrode in different ways and require different remedies. The first of the references listed below is quite short and mainly confined to a few suggestions on policy. However, by combining the advice offered in the last " two of the following references a full menu of responsible options is available.
Index to the proceedings of the regional archeological symposium including separate lists by subject, title, author, and volume along with subject categories, a map of regions, and Texas county abbreviations.
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