| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Scientific Methods in Art, Archeology, and Art Conservation Science
|
| Presentation Title |
Recreating and Validating 13th Century Methods of Steel Tool Manufacture |
| Author(s) |
Alexandra Cronin, Dan Lewis, Jay Thomas, Connnor Foreman, Nick Wilder |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Alexandra Cronin |
| Abstract Scope |
There is little surviving literature on metalwork in the high middle ages (11-1200 AD). This study recreates methods recorded from this time describing the production of steel files. Pack carburization, a modern method which performs a similar function, was used to compare the surface conditions resulting from each treatment. Microindentations were taken to test for a case-hardened surface. Sample microstructures were examined for evidence of carburization and depth of case. Wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy was performed to validate the difference in carbon at exposed surfaces. This talk will report the findings of the initial round of experiments in this study and explore the possible functions of substances used to heat treat metals from the motivating text. |