From the Object to the Mould: Is there a Connection between Microstructure of a Cast Bronze Object and its Mould Material Used?

Abstract

The question studied within the framework of the Wilhelminaoord Workshop was: In which way the mould material does influence the cast structure of a bronze object? For this, casts in two different mould materials (clay and soapstone) were carried out. The 10% tin bronze was cast at about 1100°C into slightly preheated moulds. The casts were performed in order to come as close as possible to Late Bronze Age circumstances. The experiments carried out in Wilhelminaoord were thought to be preliminary tests for several experimental series over a longer period of time. A full and detailed experimental report on the investigation concerning the analysis of the cast structure of experimental as well as archaeological objects and thereby the identification of the mould material used is forthcoming.

Keywords

• bronze
• casting
• metallurgy
• bronze age
• switzerland
• the netherlands