Contemporary Collections: Preprints from the AICCM National Conference 17th g 19th October 2007 Brisbane pp. 207-211
Abstract
A Maxim machine gun and mount from World War One was coated with Paraloid B-67 (B-67) in 1987 and displayed in a sealed showcase until 2005. In 2005 it was noted that corrosion was occurring on lead plated parts of the mount. Samples of the corrosion were removed for analysis by X-ray Diffraction which identified the corrosion as Lead Formate and Hydrocerussite. The Paraloid B-67 coating was analysed with Raman Infrared and Fourier Transform Infrared and compared to fresh B-67 samples to determine if the coating had deteriorated. The corrosion was attributed to a gradual buildup of organic vapours originating from the showcase over nearly two decades.