Complementarity of the XRF and LIBS analyses in the conservation science: the case studies of the bronze alloys

The present study confirms how the integrated use of non-destructive or micro-destructive spectroscopic techniques are capable to provide a clear response to the investigative needs in the conservation science. In particular, the X-ray fluorescence analysis in association with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy can be useful for collecting information about chemical composition and elemental stratigraphic distribution of the external layers. The complementarity of these techniques has been tested by analysing bronze samples, made in the laboratory according to binary, ternary and quaternary alloys, typical of Roman archaeometallurgical production and buried for one year. The findings have been useful for acquiring information about the thickness and the composition of the corroded surfaces.