C. Bartuli et al., Prediction of durability for outdoor exposed bronzes: Estimation of the corrosivity of the atmospheric environment of the Capitoline Hill in Rome, STUD CONSER, 44(4), 1999, pp. 245-252
The evaluation and control of the durability of bronze monuments exposed ou
tdoors in urban environments are urgent and technically complex topics. The
possibility of predicting the behaviour of a metal artifact in contact wit
h water and polluted air in particular climatic conditions is of fundamenta
l interest for both corrosion scientists and conservators. In the present p
aper, the results of an investigation into the corrosivity of the atmospher
e on the Capitoline Hill in Rome are summarized, evaluated on the basis of
the mass loss results of standard metallic specimens exposed in situ. The u
se of the technique of polarization resistance is proposed for the objectiv
e evaluation of the real state of health of bronze sculptures in terms of a
ctual rate of corrosion in progress on the metallic surface. Particular att
ention is paid to the results obtained for the Marcus Aurelius equestrian m
onument, exposed on this site for the past five centuries.