Copper and its alloys are used in Interiors for different purposes. Copper is known as a “living” metal, in most atmospheric conditions can form one or many protective layers that act as barriers against corrosion. These layers are corrosion products that are generated gradually and contain many compounds that determine appearance of the exposed metal. They form as a result of different chemical, electro chemical and physical processes that occur slowly and spontaneously during the interaction between the metal and its environment.Here, ‘Patina’ is a term that refers to the blue-green layer of corrosion that develops on the surface of copper when it is exposed to sulphur and oxide compounds.
The corrosion rate of copper and its alloys usually decreases with time. Copper alloys are very suitable for atmospheric exposure. High-copper alloys, silicon bronze and tin bronze corrode at a moderate rate, while brass, aluminum bronze, nickel silver and copper nickel corrode at a slower rate.
Artificial patination is possible but is not suitable for big outdoor surfaces such as copper roofs or copper parts of building cladding because this process takes too long. This technique is mainly used when a desired surface finish needs to be reached quickly. Mixtures of different chemical substances are used for patination, but the creation of the aesthetically desirable even surface layers of artificial patina is overly complicated. Brown and black patina is created in water solutions of sulphurated potash and ammonium sulfide. Green patina is usually created in water solutions of copper nitrate or chloride together with other oxidants and complex forming agents. There are also industrial processes for patination of monuments, sheets, interior products etc.
The surface appearance of copper or copper-based alloys is one of their most striking characteristics of this material which can be determined by different properties, mainly colour, lightness, gloss, texture and shape. Therefore, its use in interiors adds a rustic aesthetic element to the space. IIFD is the best interior designing college in Chandigarh, India. if you are looking for interior designing courses then visit IIFD once.
