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Abstract
An analytical study was performed on copper alloy objects and ingots/prills from Haft Tappeh Middle Elamite site, southwestern Iran, fourteenth century BC. The samples were analysed by micro-PIXE and SEM-EDS methods to characterise chemical composition and different phases in their microstructure. The results showed that the main objects’ compositions are copper with impurities and variable-Sn containing tin bronze. Furthermore, most of the ingots/prills are composed of copper with high concentration of iron and sulphur while in two samples tin bronze ingot/prill is detected. Based on the results, the main metallurgical operation in Haft Tappeh may be matte production to make metallic copper and producing tin bronze alloy probably by cementation.
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1 Department of Conservation of Historic and Cultural Properties, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Van de Graaff Laboratory, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute (NSTRI), Tehran, Iran
3 Department of History and Cultural Studies, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany