PACOD-Metal project

April 2023 - October 2024

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The PACOD-Metal project aimed to define protocols for analysing heritage metals to facilitate their diagnosis, based on the combined or separate use of three analytical tools (MiCorr, Discovery Mat, Pleco):

• Improving the interfaces (functions and ergonomics) of the MiCorr (search engine ‘By keywords’) and Discovery Mat applications;
• Enriching the databases of the three tools to make them more relevant;
• Specifying the most suitable operating conditions for each tool (use of a new Yoctopuce voltmeter and order of use of solutions (Evian, then KNO3 and sodium sesquicarbonate) for Discovery Mat, replacement of the glassy carbon reference electrode with a graphite rod and diaphragm pumps with less expensive peristaltic pumps for Pleco);
• Defining protocols according to the types of objects (use KNO3 first for brass to determine the presence or absence of lead revealed by fluctuations in the measured potential;
• Pre-clean copper compounds on sterling silver before any electrolytic cleaning of tarnish);
• Testing analysis combinations to define the most efficient protocols (MiCorr + Discovery Mat + Pleco on tarnished silver-plated and/or gold-plated copper objects) and developing methods for identifying surface treatments (MiCorr + Discovery Mat).