XPS study of the atmospheric corrosion of copper alloys of archaeological interest

XPS analysis of different forms of copper sulfate, including antlerite, brochantite, posnjakite, chalcanthite and anhydrous copper sulfate, as well as pure copper and its oxides cuprite and tenorite, was carried out. These products most often occur when dealing with atmospheric corrosion of copper and bronze in sulfur‐bearing environments. These compounds were minerals, commercial products, or grown on pure copper by artificial weathering. Spectral features such as peak energy and line shape for Cu 2p, Cu LMM, O 1s and S 2p bands were examined. Comparison of the measurements obtained proves the efficiency of XPS in differentiating the various compounds. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.