https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-04159-y
Regular Article
Testing of the siderophore deferoxamine amended in hydrogels for the cleaning of iron corrosion
1
Laboratory of Technologies for Heritage Materials, University of Neuchâtel, Bellevaux 51, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
2
Haute Ecole Arc Conservation Restauration, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland HES-SO, Espace de l’Europe 11, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
3
Arc’Antique Conservation and Research Laboratory, 26 Rue de la Haute Forêt, 44300, Nantes, France
Received:
30
September
2022
Accepted:
4
June
2023
Published online:
27
June
2023
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.
© The Author(s) 2023
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