Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/the-science-of-protecting-antique-silver Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The Science of Protecting Antique Silver Science Apr 8, 2011 2:05 PM EDT The National Science Foundation’s* latest Science Nation piece looks at a team of conservateurs working to protect antique silver from overpolishing, heavy lacquer and the ravages of time. A material scientist and his team have developed a technique called “atomic layer deposition” to protect the precious material. The hope is that this nanometer-thick transparent coating will protect the silver from tarnish and wear. “The films conform to the recesses and protrusions of the silver, creating a protective barrier,” reports NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien, who talked with the researchers as they tested the new material in the lab. For the record, the National Science Foundation is an underwriter of the NewsHour. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now
The National Science Foundation’s* latest Science Nation piece looks at a team of conservateurs working to protect antique silver from overpolishing, heavy lacquer and the ravages of time. A material scientist and his team have developed a technique called “atomic layer deposition” to protect the precious material. The hope is that this nanometer-thick transparent coating will protect the silver from tarnish and wear. “The films conform to the recesses and protrusions of the silver, creating a protective barrier,” reports NewsHour science correspondent Miles O’Brien, who talked with the researchers as they tested the new material in the lab. For the record, the National Science Foundation is an underwriter of the NewsHour. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now