Corrosion Evaluation of WAKUGI made of Newly Developed Iron used for Preservation Repair of the Cultural Assets Building

Abstract

The purpose is to inherit the technical properties of the past as much as possible to manufacture Japanese nails, Wakugi, used for preservation and repair of Japanese wooden buildings. Therefore, we investigated the technical properties of Wakugi from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the Edo period, when Tatara ironmaking reaches maturity, from the viewpoints of chemical composition, surface film structure, and corrosion resistance. Prevention of iron stain on wood and long-term corrosion resistance were evaluated by electrochemical measurements and accelerated corrosion tests on Wakugi made by hot forging by handmade work by blacksmiths.