Assessing the corrosion of the SS Great Britain

The preservation of sensitive artefacts, such as historic ships, is crucial for safeguarding cultural heritage but presents a costly and complex challenge for conservators. Effective conservation requires a clear understanding of both the corrosion mechanisms and the baseline state of deterioration, yet these factors remain poorly understood for marine wrought iron. In this study, we will employ 57Fe synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy to map variations in the oxidation state of iron across cross sections of the SS Great Britain’s hull. This data will improve our ability to model the progression of corrosion and assess whether silicates and carbonates, which may act as passivating agents, help inhibit deterioration. Our findings will support the development of more effective, sustainable conservation strategies for preserving iron-based heritage.