• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.197-207
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• 2013

In the midst of increasing importance of modern cultural assets, especially, most modern bronze objects are exposed to outdoor environment, and as the objects are corroded steadily due to environmental factors the objects lost their original colors on the surface. We performed artificial patinas on the bronze sample per each color of red, black and green and checked cuprite and tenorite which are detected from actual bronze corrosion by analyzing the components. In addition, we applied the existing corrosion removal methods of grinder and sand blaster on a similar sample of bronze mirror per injection pressure and performed comparative analysis on the result with Nd:YAG laser. As a result of Nd:YAG laser cleaning artificial patina from bronze samples, all of the patinas were removed by laser wavelength 1064 nm better than 532 nm. Upon applying to a similar sample of bronze mirror, the artificial patina could be selectively removed from substrates without surface damage when Nd:YAG laser was conducted other than the existing removal method, and so it showed the possibility of application.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.155-165
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• 2017

As interest in the public display of art and outdoor sculptures is increasing, the conservation and treatment of these sculptures is becoming increasingly crucial. Long-term exposure to the natural elements and atmospheric pollution can cause corrosion and deterioration in outdoor sculptures. In the case of Kim Chan Shik's "Feeling", which was exhibited in the outdoor sculpture park at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), the patina of the sculpture was damaged during a long outdoor exhibition. Therefore, the treatment process was as follows: recording of condition, sanding, repatination, and wax coating. Consequently, the sculpture was restored similar to the original. Chemical analysis revealed that the sculpture was crafted from bronze and was cast from a quaternary alloy of Cu-Pb-Sn-Zn. The welding is lower in Zn, Sn, and Pb content than the metal used in the sculpture itself. Bright strains contain about 13.0 wt% Sn and 10.5 wt% Pb. The strains are higher in Sn and Pb content than the rest of the metal in the sculpture (7.0 wt% Sn and 4.4 wt% Pb). As a result of component analysis and microstructure observation, the material is estimated to have been made by casting without artificial treatment.