This article looks at the conservation of historic aircraft from the Second World War, testing different coatings to protect their aluminium alloy structures from corrosion. Five different protective protection systems, including ParaloidTM B72, wax, DinitrolTM , Multi Matt Clear LesonalTM and carboxylates, were evaluated by being applied to artefacts from WWII aircraft wrecks, in particular a wing fragment from a Supermarine Spitfire and a propeller blade from a P38 Lightning, which presented different surface conditions. The protected objects were exposed to real-life conditions (uncontrolled indoor environment). Advanced analytical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the evolution and effectiveness of the protection systems. The results showed different degrees of effectiveness for different coatings. DinitrolTM and LesonalTM demonstrated the best protective properties, forming thin but effective layers that enhance corrosion resistance. Carboxylates, on the other hand, proved ineffective, while ParaloidTM B72 and wax were not very effective and unsuitable for objects with original paint residues. (c) 2025 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.

This study explores the effectiveness of different coatings in preserving aluminum alloy aircraft wrecks. In cultural heritage conservation, coatings must not only protect artefacts under corrosive exhibition conditions but also maintain their visual integrity and be reversible for future treatments. Three coatings were selected and tested: ParaloidTM, commonly used in conservation; DinitrolTM, an industrial product for aluminum protection; and Cutin, a novel coating derived from recycled tomato peels. Each coating was assessed based on its protective ability, aesthetic impact, and reversibility. ParaloidTM, while aesthetically pleasing and easily reversible, offers limited protection, especially outdoors. DinitrolTM demonstrated superior protective qualities, with high impedance values indicating strong corrosion resistance. However, its reversibility properties are limited. Cutin showed promise as a protective coating. It is also reversible with ethanol. However, its current formulation affects the surface appearance due to residual tomato pigments.

The development of innovative solutions for the conservation and the protection of historic aircraft is a recent and important issue raised in the cultural heritage field and represents the goal of the PROCRAFT (Protection and Conservation of Heritage Aircraft) project. Assessing and documenting the constituent materials as well as their degradation state is necessary to determine and understand factors inducing aluminium alloy corrosion, in order to develop tailored conservation treatments and identify effective protective coatings. The first step of the project was the identification of the constituent materials of aircraft wrecks. Al-Cu-Mg alloys—Duralumin and Super Duralumin, with a higher content of Mg—were the most employed alloys for structural and non-structural parts. These materials undergo a wide range of alterations, amongst which pitting, exfoliation and galvanic corrosion. In the present work, results of the characterisation of wrecks from a North American Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, crashed in Italy in 1945, are reported and compared to wrecks from a French Breguet 765 Sahara n°504 64-PH, built in 1958. The constituent alloys resulted to be similar to the modern 2024 and 2017A alloy. In order to assess the representativeness of these modern alloys in simulating the corrosion behaviour of the historic ones, exfoliation susceptibility (ASTM G34) as well as non-destructive and destructive electrochemical tests in 0.1 M NaCl were carried out on both historic and modern alloys. These results contributed to the selection of representative substrates for the development of protective coatings as well as to the expansion of the dataset on composition and microstructure of historic Al alloys for aircraft.

The paper presents a study on corrosion prediction for preventive aeronautical heritage protection, considering the aeronautical heritage stored or exhibited in an aviation museum. For the purpose of the study, the hangar with exhibited historical aircraft of significant cultural and societal value is located in the Aviation Museum Kbely, Prague, Czech Republic. Until now, such a preventive approach to protecting the aircraft heritage constituted from ancient aluminum alloys, in particular, has not been presented rigorously. Monitoring the hangar meteorological, pollution, and environmental data are acquired and interrelated with measured corrosion data to find a statistical model describing atmospheric corrosion in the hangar environment. The statistical model searched represents a Gaussian process based on a likelihood approach. As a result, the Gaussian process model is regressed to predict the corrosion of aluminum alloy-based artifacts in the monitored hangar with the marginal likelihood that is compared to machine learning-based prediction. Finally, it is shown that atmospheric corrosion is accurately predicted only when, among others, a synergistic effect of airborne pollutants and wind speed is considered.

In the field of cultural heritage, the use of natural gels is rising for the application of active agents. Here, two natural polymers are assessed: agar, a pioneer hydrogel for conservation treatments, and chitosan, a rather novel and metal-binding gel. For chitosan, a state-of-the-art based formulation (CS–ItA–LCys) is evaluated as it was reported for silver-complexing properties. It is evaluated whether these polymers can withstand the addition of the chelating compound deferoxamine, which is a bacterial siderophore. This allows for the obtainment of completely bio-sourced gel systems. A Fourier-transformed (FT) infrared spectroscopy characterization is performed, completed with rheological measurements and Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (cryo–SEM) to investigate the physico–chemical properties of the gels, as well as their interaction with deferoxamine. Both polymers are also tested for their inherent complexing ability on silver ions using FT–Raman spectroscopy. A multi-analytical comparison shows different microstructures, in particular, the presence of a thick membrane for chitosan and different mechanical behaviors, with agar being more brittle. Neither hydrogel seems affected by the addition of deferoxamine; this is shown by similar rheological behavior and molecular structures in the presence or absence of the chelator. The intrinsic abilities of the chitosan formulation to make silver complex are demonstrated with the observation of two peaks characteristic of Ag–S and Ag–O bonds. Agar and chitosan are both proven to be reliable gels to act as carriers for bio-based active agents. This paper confirms the potential asset of the chitosan formulation CS–ItA–LCys as a promising gel for the complexation of soluble silver.

On the occasion of the reopening of the Dobrée Museum (Nantes, France), two statuettes of Egyptian origin, representing Harpocrate and Isis, were studied to shed light on the presence of the blue-green efflorescence on their surface. The efflorescence on the Harpocrate statuette was identified as being chalconatronite, while that which was present on the Isis statuette corresponded to sodium copper formate/acetate, probably due to the evolution of chalconatronite in an environment containing VOCs. The efflorescence appeared to be sensitive to the cyclic variation in relative humidity whereas it seemed stable. An experimental curative treatment to halt the reappearance was carried out. A series of pure water baths extracted a significant quantity of sodium. The treatment appeared effective and reduced the risk of a recrudescence of the efflorescence for both statuettes. However, when the efflorescence was dissolved on the Isis statuette, other compounds appeared to react with water, leading to acidification and a potential reaction with the lead in the alloy. A layer of lead carbonate/acetate on the surface appeared. The objects were then dried and protected with a highly concentrated acrylic varnish. They are currently being monitored to identify any new efflorescence that may appear during display.

Duralumin-type alloys have been employed for structural and non-structural parts of aircraft since the early 1920s up to now. In the European project “PROtection and Conservation of Heritage AirCRAFT” (PROCRAFT), up to 34 aircraft wrecks from World War II from different nations (United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy) were identified. On most of them, the collection of numerous fragments was possible, thus constituting a large sampling group. A metallographic analysis was carried out, and elemental composition, microstructure and hardness were measured. This article focuses firstly on the elemental composition of this group of historical Al alloys. From these data, some fine characteristics specific to the manufacturing countries will be investigated through principal component analysis. Then, on a restricted group constituted of German alloys, we will discuss how some manufacturing parameters, such as micro-alloying and thermo-mechanical treatments, influence the mechanical properties of the assessed aircraft components. Other influencing parameters, linked to the archaeological nature of the parts, are considered and addressed based on a specific study of an alloy collected on a crashed JU88 aircraft originating from the German company Junkers.

Currently gels are widely used in the restoration of paintings, graphic arts, stuccowork and stonework, but their use in metal restoration is less widespread. In this study, several polysaccharide-based hydrogels (agar, gellan and xanthan gum) were selected for use in metal treatments. The use of hydrogels allows to localize a chemical or electrochemical treatment. This paper presents several examples of treatment of metal objects of cultural heritage, i.e., historical or archaeological objects. The advantages, disadvantages and limits of hydrogel treatments are discussed. The best results are obtained for the cleaning of copper alloys via associating an agar gel with a chelating agent (EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) or TAC (tri-ammonium citrate)). The hot application allows to obtain a peelable gel, particularly adapted for historical objects. Electrochemical treatments using hydrogels have been successful for the cleaning of silver and for the dechlorination of ferrous or copper alloys. The use of hydrogels for the cleaning of painted aluminum alloys is possible but it has to be coupled with mechanical cleaning. However, for the cleaning of archaeological lead, the cleaning using hydrogels was not very effective. This paper shows the new possibilities of using hydrogels for the treatment of metal cultural heritage objects: agar is the most promising hydrogel.

The research study is aimed to design innovative bio-gel formulations able to tackle altered historical metal artworks in a green and sustainable perspective. The target of the research is the removal of undesired or altered materials of both inorganic (i.e., corrosion and tarnishing) and organic nature (i.e., protective coatings). The designed gel systems are initially assessed on mock-ups. Iron-, copper- and silver-based substrates, chosen as mostly present in historical metal collections, are chemically aged to form corrosion on the surface. Alternatively, they are coated with organic protectives (i.e., acrylic and nitrocellulose varnish) that are mostly used for indoor metal care. After multi-modal analytical assessment to check the action and safety of the gels on the metal mock-ups, the developed solutions are applied on real cases, thanks to the strong and fruitful collaboration with curators and conservators of metal artworks.

Bioderived alternatives to commonly used complexing agents for the cleaning of iron artworks are sought for their natural origin and better biodegradability. Indeed, complexing agents currently used for the removal of undesired corrosion products from iron artworks can be difficult to control and their environmental impact is often overlooked. This paper studies the use of siderophores, focusing on the ability of one of them, deferoxamine, to be employed as an active agent loaded in polysaccharides hydrogels, on corrosion phases. Preliminary tests were conducted on artificially aged steel samples and further studies were performed on naturally corroded steel to assess the most performing application parameters. Long-term behavior of cleaned surface was assessed. Cleaning outcomes were compared with those obtainable with disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid using optical microscopy, colorimetry and atomic absorption spectroscopy as well as Infrared and Raman micro-spectroscopies. Among the different gelling agents evaluated, agar applied when hot and gellan gum prepared at room temperature were the most effective gel formulations and agar left few residues over the treated surfaces. The protocol was then tested on altered steel artifacts belonging to heritage institutions in France. Encouraging outcomes in the removal of iron corrosion phases with green approaches are here presented.

ABSTRACT Present results provided new information on the practice of removing iron from waterlogged wood using chelating agents. Two series of samples were selected: small waterlogged wood samples of Quercus spp., Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus pinaster Aiton, and a portion from the dismantled shipwreck Huguangjiao I. Iron extractions were carried out using disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Samples were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with dispersive energy spectrometry, micro-Raman spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the latter used to evaluate viscoelastic properties. The extraction efficiency of both products was good, although it depended on the wood state of preservation, being higher in more decayed material. Still, the extraction procedures induced a limited effect on the decayed wood tissue, affecting both cell wall chemical composition and physical characteristics. Moreover, a significant difference existed between the two agents. In decayed hardwoods, they had an impact on both E’ (decrease) and tanδ (increase), mostly apparent for DTPA. The difference between DTPA and EDTA was also more evident when the frequency was varied in DMA tests. In contrast, the well-preserved softwood was not affected by the considered treatments.

The paper shows how the aeronautical heritage is affected by airborne pollutants and the air temperature-humidity complex. Monitoring meteorological and environmental data in a heritage site intended for protection, these effects are analyzed. The starting point is thus the acquisition of the meteorological and environmental data from the intended hangar with stored historical aircrafts taken part in fights of the second world war. The following step is an evaluation of the penetration of moisture into the hangar environment from outside. This moisture penetration is deducted from wet/dry cycles obtained from air humidity and temperature fluctuations in the hangar environment. In addition, an evolution of the aircraft surface temperature is pertinent to potential moisturizing the aircraft surface. As a measure of moisture penetration, a time of wetness (ToW) is determined indoors. Furthermore, pollutants infiltrated into the hangar environment are derived from a standardized methodology. Beside the pollution infiltration, the indoor generated pollution is estimated per material from which the historic aircrafts are constituted. Because of major material in the aircraft, the deposition rate of indoor pollutants onto an aluminum alloy is determined by means of a standardized statistical model. Finally, monitoring the hangar environment, the heritage aircraft vulnerability to corrosion is estimated based on atmosphere corrosivity modeling.

Treatments of organic objects to extract ferrous compounds from waterlogged archaeological wood are well documented. For several years, numerous laboratories have been seeking to determine suitable conservation treatments for such organic objects. For chemical treatments, complexing agents such as EDTA and DTPA, along with acids such as citric and oxalic acids, were selected. In addition, oxidants and reducing agents were tested as pre-treatments to improve extraction rates. In fact, chemicals produce a selective reaction on ferrous compounds, which may improve or be inhibited by complexation or dissolution reactions. Their action depends on the type of compound to be extracted and those present inside the wood. The objective of this study was to make a comparative assessment of the various chemical conservation treatments identified and complement the evaluation of their extraction efficiency with a study of their impact on organic matter by adding criteria such as their visual aspect (using a spectrocolorimeter) and physicochemical actions by means of infrared spectroscopy and micromorphological observations. The effectiveness of EDTA was confirmed, as was that of citric acid, despite some questions arising concerning the presence of wood fibers in the treatment solution, even after rinsing. On the other hand, the extraction rate of oxalic acid, which has a very acidic pH, was unsurprisingly lower, but its visual and anatomical results raised the possibility of using it over a short period of time in view of the effectiveness observed on the wood surface. Pre-treatments improved extraction rates, except in the case of EDTA, which independently had a high extraction rate. It was observed that pre-treatments did not appear to cause any significant chemical degradation of the organic matter. This study provides a tool to assist conservators in selecting a chemical treatment that is in line with the state of decay of the wood, the characteristics of the ferrous compounds to be extracted, and the conservation objectives.

This study focuses on a WWII Supermarine Spitfire aircraft section wing conservation, salvaged from the seabed in 1988 and stored in a private garden. The object was in poor condition so decisions on the conservation, preservation or removal of parts of the original elements were needed. Firstly, the wing fragment was studied to determine its heritage interest and to assess its historical, industrial, technical and scientific values. This object will become a memorial to the pilot who died during the mission, in his hometown. The conservation project aims to find the best solution to both conservation priorities and exhibition needs. Based on cleaning tests on corroded, painted aluminium alloys carried out within the PROCRAFT Project, a treatment was determined. This case serves as an example of how the results of a European project can be implemented in a conservation-restoration process and how industrial conservation theory can be applied to archaeological artefacts.