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Date: | Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:00:25 -0400 |
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Hello all,
Although I don't have anything to contribute to the discussion of
brass corrosion, I thought this would be a good time to ask a general
question re: corrosion, electrolysis, and the structure of metals.
I've recently put together a small-scale electrolysis set-up and have
been playing around with it for the last few weeks (with materials
recovered archaeologically as well as random other metals for fun).
One observation I've made concerning cast iron that really intrigues
me is, for lack of a better word, a "softening" of the iron following
electrolysis. Once the iron has been dried under heat, the cast iron
seems to return to its pre-electrolysis hardness.
Hopefully my description makes sense. Does anyone on the list know
what is occurring chemically to the iron during electrolysis to cause
this apparent shift in rigidity? Please be as technical as you like.
Best wishes,
Jake
--
Jakob Crockett
Department of Anthropology
University of South Carolina
Hamilton College, Room 317
Columbia, SC 29208
http://mannsimons.freehostia.com
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