![]() ![]() This article was written by Manon Mckeachie, Junior Communications Officer, Australian Academy of Science, and reviewed by the following expert: Professor Drew Evans, Professor within the Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia. It is a visual representation of time and a testament to the object’s ability to withstand its tests. There is a reason that a patina surface has come to be associated with beauty. The unique balance of chemicals and time that each copper surface experiences will determine what different colours you see. For example, larger cities tend to have more aerosol sulfates (produced from burning fossil fuels) which turns the copper oxide a dark shade of green and emerald. The city the copper is in will impact its final colour. 2CuO + CO 2 + H 2O → Cu 2CO 3(OH) 2 ĭepending on the availability of carbon dioxide and water in the air, different chemical reactions occur to turn the copper oxide shades of blue, green, and purple. Green patina is usually created in water solutions of copper nitrate or chloride together with other oxidants and complex forming agents.The copper oxide will continue reacting to oxygen over time.Īs the copper oxide continues to react with carbon dioxide and water in the air it coats the surface with that iconic blue-green patina colour. Both reactions happen when oxygen in the air interacts with the metal atoms in the presence of water.Ĭopper will start to react with the oxygen in the air to form copper oxide. The formation of the patina is similar to how rust forms on iron. These natural changes to copper objects happen over time as the metal oxidises, making copper a one-of-a-kind symbol of heritage that's hard to replicate. Panel 1: New copper tiles being placed on the dome. The Shine Dome at the Australian Academy of Science Canberra. You will see this change in colour on old roofing, copper statues and – if you have ever been to Canberra – on the roof of the Shine Dome at the Australian Academy of Science. Scientifically speaking, patina is the green or brown film that forms naturally on the surface of copper due to a series of chemical reactions.Ĭopper forms a patina when exposed to oxygen and weathering over time. Ever seen a statue or old colonial roof that looks a little green around the edges?Ī patina finish is a surface change that has grown more beautiful with age (something many of us strive to do).
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