Microstructure studies of bimetallic artifacts excavated from site of Ziviyeh

The Production of iron- bronze bimetallic artifacts is one of the techniques of the Bronze Age to the Iron transitional period. In this research, in order to assess the alloy composition and method of production, two iron-bronze bimetallic objects in the site of Ziviyeh have been studied as one of the important Iron Age sites in Iran. The microstructure of the cross section of objects, the phases and metallic and nonmetallic inclusions was studied by the optical microscope (OM) and the scanning electron microscope equipped with an elemental analysis (SEM-EDX). The results shows the ferrite-pearlite microstructure and preferred orientation of inclusions in substrate of base metal that is decorated with bands of tin- bronze alloy. The amount of carbon in different parts of the body of objects is not the same. Dendritic microstructure and distribution of gas holes in copper phase of bronze strips confirmed the use of casting-on technology in production of bronze layers. Fine grains and twin lines in the outer edges of bronze strips are the result of final hot working.