Messa a punto e monitoraggio della metodologia di pulitura di bronzi con tecniche non invasive

The cleaning of metallic artworks is a crucial step for their preservation, thus it is necessary to choose carefully the most appropriate cleaning procedure, in order to remove potentially harmful compounds and to guarantee the aesthetic conservation of the artefacts. A short-term activation of the metallic substrate can result from the cleaning procedure. It is very important to verify that such effect is limited to the very first post-cleaning period and that on the long term a reduction of the corrosion rate is ensured. Five bronze sculptures from the Cimitero Monumentale of Milan were selected to preliminary setup a cleaning procedure based on traditional methodologies, which will be applied to a series of statues still to be treated. Materials have been characterized before and after the treatment through a multi-analytical and micro-invasive approach. Moreover, the cleaned surfaces have been monitored by polarization resistance measurements for six months.