Chapter 14: Corrosion of cast and wrought iron on the Mermaid Atoll site

The application of corrosion science to the management of maritime archaeological sites is an invaluable aid in understanding the corrosion mechanisms and modes of deterioration of ferrous and non-ferrous materials on underwater sites. Research has demonstrated that it is possible to obtain a clear understanding of the nature of corrosion and deterioration forces working on a shipwreck through the in-situ application of both surface pH and corrosion potential measurements (see North 1984; Brown, Bump and Muncher 1988; MacLeod 1989a, 1989b). Understanding the mechanism of corrosion is important in determining the conservation process required for stabilizing artefacts against further deterioration, and the conservation procedures for separating corrosion products from iron and other metallic objects (North 1976; MacLeod 1989a).