FTIR study of copper patinas in the urban atmosphere

This paper deals with the application of the FTIR and XPS spectroscopies in the chemical and phase analysis of patina layers. Relationship between the composition of copper patinas and the characteristics of the atmosphere in which they were formed has been clearly demonstrated. Since copper possesses an ability to interact with different atmospheric species retaining a variety of signatures of those interactions in a stable patina layer, it is the particularly appropriate material for a study of corrosion processes. The analysis of many samples demonstrate that copper roofs are covered with a complex patina reflecting corrosion stimulated by atmospheric pollutants, extraneous deposits from wind blown materials and birds.