Corrosion mechanisms of a bluish-white porcelain of Hutian kiln excavated from Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck
摘要
Understanding the corrosion mechanisms of ancient porcelains and the influence of marine-organism attachment is crucial for the conservation of underwater cultural heritage. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the chemical compositions and structures of the concretions and corrosion layers on the glaze surface of a bluish-white porcelain excavated from the Nanhai No. 1 shipwreck, with a particular focus on the morphological evolution of bubbles in the glaze during the corrosion process. The concretions contained a yellow porous structure that comprised a siliceous skeleton, while the main corrosion products were α-FeOOH and β-FeOOH. Furthermore, plausible hypotheses were formulated regarding the source of the concretions and the mutually beneficial relationship between silicon-rich marine organisms(sponges) and ancient silicate ceramics, providing a unique perspective for the conservation of waterlogged ancient ceramics.