Buckling
Distortion caused by shrinkage or compression.
Bronze disease
Corrosion of copper and bronze objects caused by the production of copper chlorides, which break down the normally protective surface patinas. Light blue-green blisters form on the surface. When they are touched, they crumble and fall away leaving a pitted surface. The corrosion is cyclic, setting up reactive and destructive corrosion cells on the surface
Brittle
A property or condition of materials such as paper, cardboard and adhesives that causes a loss of strength and flexibility, often causing the material to break when it is deformed by bending. Paper is said to be brittle when a corner will not withstand two complete folds without breaking. Plastics also become brittle, through the
Break
A separation between areas of a hard material, like glass, ceramic, wood and stone. Usually caused by a sudden shock and often occurring at weak points. May also be used to describe damage to brittle paper or cardboard, where pieces have been snapped off.
Bloom
On metals, a loose, flower-like corrosion product which forms when certain metals are exposed to a moist environment. On paintings or varnished objects, a cloudy appearance within the varnish, probably caused by the presence of moisture on the surface of the paint or within the varnish itself. Also used to describe the visible appearance of