• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.433-442
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• 2018

In this study, metal properties were compared by preparingthree iron knives from steel ingots produced via traditional iron-making, and ingot which jointed the steel of modern times. Metal microscope and SEM-EDS analysis revealed fine ferrite and pearlite structures of the hypo-eutectoid steel of Fe-C alloys. All samples also exhibited martensite on the blade of the knife. By Vicker's hardness analysis, the hardness of the sand iron knife (K1) was 533.38 HV, sand iron-nickel steel knife (K3) was 514.8 HV, and sand iron-carbon steel knife (K2) was 477.02 HV. The mass reduction due to wear was 0.058% for K1, 0.059% for K3, and 0.144% for K2. EPMA(Electron probe micro-analyzer) analysis of the surface pattern of the specimens confirmed that the patterns were exposed due to differences in the content of C or the chemical composition. Additional research on heat treatment processes is needed to increase the abrasion resistance of blades. Traditional steel ingots could produce high-quality steel if combined with nickel steel.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.1619-1625
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• 2021

This paper demonstrates the possible nondestructive analysis of iron artifacts' metallurgical characteristics using neutron imaging. Ancient kingdoms of the Korean Peninsula used a direct smelting process for ore smelting and iron bloom production; however, the use of iron blooms was difficult because of their low strength and purity. For reinforcement, iron ingots were produced through refining and forge welding, which then underwent various processes to create different iron goods. To demonstrate the potential analysis using neutron imaging, while ensuring artifacts' safety, a sand iron ingot (SI-I) produced using ancient traditional iron making techniques and a sand iron knife (SI-K) made of SI-I were selected. SI-I was cut into 9 cm², whereas the entirety of SI-K was preserved for analysis. SI-I was found to have an average grain size of 3 ㎛, with observed α-Fe (ferrite) and pearlite with a body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice structure. SI-K had a grain size of 1-3 ㎛, α-Ferrite on its backside, and martensite with a body-centered tetragonal (BCT) structure on its blade. Results show that the sample's metallurgical characteristics can be identified through neutron imaging only, without losing any part of the valuable artifacts, indicating applicability to cultural artifacts requiring complete preservation.