Efficacy of zinc salts to protect glass against atmospheric alteration. Part I: Effects of a spraying treatment

Following an industrial process to protect manufactured glass windows against atmospheric corrosion during their storage and transport, this research is focused on the possibility that a surface deposit of small amount zinc salts may efficiently reduce alteration kinetics ancient glasses (soda, potash, mixed alkali silicates). To end, chemical action was investigated by means aging experiments (with temperature relative humidity (RH) control) three models, which compositions are representative cultural heritage. When treatment performed pristine (about 1 μg/cm2 deposited Zn2+ ions), treated plates developed significantly thinner hydrated layer than untreated ones at 80°C or 40°C (85 RH%). The formation Ca-carbonates also considerably reduced. state undergoing Zn seem critical regarding efficacy protection.