The use of gels in localized dechlorination treatments of metallic cultural heritage objects

Abstract Gels were used to perform localized dechlorination treatments on ferrous or copper alloy archaeological objects. Agar gel (3% w ) was as a medium for the electrolyte, 1% KNO 3 solution. Localized electrolysis with carried out using same parameters immersion electrolysis. To determine end of treatment, two tools validated: determining quantity chlorides present in gels by XRF and monitoring oxygen consumption an object before after treatment. This study shows that technique results efficient extraction chlorides. In case stabilization composite objects treatment objects, use electrolytic is new effective solution proposed conservators.