An effective method for controlling bronze disease on copper objects: Silver oxide has been in use to treat isolated spots of bronze disease.  However the studies have shown that the silver chloride seal in not effective in high humid conditions because of the conducting properties of the seal and its inability to form a moisture barrier. A new method to seal bronze disease with the help of zinc dust, has been developed by NRLC scientists. In the zinc dust method, the seal formed is tough, adherent and consists of relatively stable zinc compounds. It forms an effective barrier against movement of moisture into the cavity of the disease and thus effectively seals the area of bronze disease.  Objects treated with this method were subjected to high humidity for several months, and afterwards exposed to humid environment for 4 to 5 years.  These objects showed no re-emergence of bronze disease whereas even repeated use of silver oxide failed to stabilize the objects.  This method has been successfully used in our laboratory to treat various bronze and copper objects.

Method for the conservation of lead and high lead bronze objects: High lead bronze objects are difficult to stabilize as preferential corrosion of lead proceeds unabated in such objects and makes the objects weak and ugly. NRLC developed a method using neutral benzotriazole (BTA)  solution to inhibit corrosion of lead, and has been used for the treatment of ancient bronze sculptures and copper coins containing high percentage of lead (>10%).