https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap/2010074
TEM characterization of the fine scale microstructure of a Roman ferrous nail
1
CNRS; CEMES; BP 94347, 29 rue J. Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France
2
Université de Toulouse; UPS, INSA, CEMES, 31055 Toulouse, France
3
CIRIMAT, ENSIACET, INPT, 4 allée Émile Monso, BP 74233, 31432 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
4
TRACES, UMR 5608, Université de Toulouse-Le Mirail, 31058 Toulouse, France
Corresponding author: sciau@cemes.fr
Received:
10
December
2009
Revised:
23
March
2010
Accepted:
4
May
2010
Published online:
11
June
2010
This paper describes the microstructure of a Roman ferrous nail through its observation by transmission electron microscopy. The morphologies of pearlitic colonies and ferritic grains are detailed and the relationship between pearlitic colonies and ferrite in Roman nails is explicitly demonstrated for the first time. Observations also confirm the presence of dislocations in ferritic grains and attest to the existence of very small carbide precipitates that have not been pointed out previously in standard archaeometric studies.
© EDP Sciences, 2010
