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Abstract
Metal durability is an important consideration in the multi-barrier nuclear waste storage concept. This study summarizes the ancient metals, the environments, and factors which appear to have contributed to metal longevity. Archaeological and radiochemical dating suggest that human use of metals began in the period 6000 to 7000 BC. Gold is clearly the most durable, but many objects fashioned from silver, copper, bronze, iron, lead, and tin have survived for several thousand years. Dry environments, such as tombs, appear to be optimum for metal preservation, but some metals have survived in shipwrecks for over a thousand years. The metal meteorites are Fe-base alloys with 5 to 60 wt% Ni and minor amounts of Co, I, and S. Some meteoritic masses with ages estimated to be 5,000 to 20,000 years have weathered very little, while other masses from the same meteorites are in advanced stages of weathering. Native metals are natural metallic ores. Approximately five million tonnes were mined from native copper deposits in Michigan. Copper masses from the Michigan deposits were transported by the Pleistocene glaciers. Areas on the copper surfaces which appear to represent glacial abrasion show minimal corrosion. Dry cooling tower technology has demonstrated that in pollution-free moistmore»
- Authors:
- Johnson, Jr, A B; Francis, B
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 5406419
- Report Number(s):
- PNL-3198
TRN: 80-007629
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-06-1830
- Resource Type:
- Technical Report
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 58 GEOSCIENCES; 12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES; 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS; WEATHERING; METALS; METEORITES; RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE; CONTAINERS; CORROSION; MOISTURE; CHEMICAL REACTIONS; ELEMENTS; MANAGEMENT; STORAGE; WASTE MANAGEMENT; WASTE STORAGE; 580100* - Geology & Hydrology- (-1989); 052002 - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage; 360105 - Metals & Alloys- Corrosion & Erosion
Citation Formats
Johnson, Jr, A B, and Francis, B. Durability of metals from archaeological objects, metal meteorites, and native metals. United States: N. p., 1980. Web. doi:10.2172/5406419.
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Johnson, Jr, A B, & Francis, B. Durability of metals from archaeological objects, metal meteorites, and native metals. United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/5406419
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Johnson, Jr, A B, and Francis, B. 1980. "Durability of metals from archaeological objects, metal meteorites, and native metals". United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/5406419. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5406419.
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@article{osti_5406419,
title = {Durability of metals from archaeological objects, metal meteorites, and native metals},
author = {Johnson, Jr, A B and Francis, B},
abstractNote = {Metal durability is an important consideration in the multi-barrier nuclear waste storage concept. This study summarizes the ancient metals, the environments, and factors which appear to have contributed to metal longevity. Archaeological and radiochemical dating suggest that human use of metals began in the period 6000 to 7000 BC. Gold is clearly the most durable, but many objects fashioned from silver, copper, bronze, iron, lead, and tin have survived for several thousand years. Dry environments, such as tombs, appear to be optimum for metal preservation, but some metals have survived in shipwrecks for over a thousand years. The metal meteorites are Fe-base alloys with 5 to 60 wt% Ni and minor amounts of Co, I, and S. Some meteoritic masses with ages estimated to be 5,000 to 20,000 years have weathered very little, while other masses from the same meteorites are in advanced stages of weathering. Native metals are natural metallic ores. Approximately five million tonnes were mined from native copper deposits in Michigan. Copper masses from the Michigan deposits were transported by the Pleistocene glaciers. Areas on the copper surfaces which appear to represent glacial abrasion show minimal corrosion. Dry cooling tower technology has demonstrated that in pollution-free moist environments, metals fare better at temperatures above than below the dewpoint. Thus, in moderate temperature regimes, elevated temperatures may be useful rather than detrimental for exposures of metal to air. In liquid environments, relatively complex radiolysis reactions can occur, particularly where multiple species are present. A dry environment largely obviates radiolysis effects.},
doi = {10.2172/5406419},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5406419}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980},
month = {Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980}
}
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I've delved into the fascinating realm of metal durability across diverse contexts, including ancient artifacts, meteorites, and native metal ores. The study you provided encapsulates the endurance of metals in various environments, shedding light on crucial factors influencing their longevity.
Archaeological evidence and radiochemical dating pinpoint the emergence of metal use by humans around 6000 to 7000 BC. Gold emerges as the epitome of durability, but silver, copper, bronze, iron, lead, and tin crafted into various objects have defied time, surviving for millennia. Dry settings like tombs foster optimal metal preservation, yet even shipwrecks have sheltered metals for over a millennium.
Meteoritic masses, primarily Fe-base alloys with nickel, cobalt, iodine, and sulfur in minor amounts, exhibit varied weathering patterns despite their estimated ages of 5,000 to 20,000 years. Some meteorites display minimal weathering, while others from the same source show advanced deterioration.
Native metals, natural metallic ores like those mined from Michigan's copper deposits, offer intriguing insights. Glacial transportation of copper masses led to abrasions on surfaces, surprisingly resulting in minimal corrosion. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of environments on metal durability, emphasizing that pollution-free moist environments, coupled with moderate temperatures above the dewpoint, can benefit metals. In contrast, liquid environments can induce complex radiolysis reactions, which are largely obviated in dry settings.
The research underscores the significance of metal durability in the context of multi-barrier nuclear waste storage, recognizing the interplay between environmental factors, metal composition, and longevity. From archaeological treasures to meteorites and native ores, this comprehensive study unveils the intricate interrelationships shaping the endurance of metals across millennia.
