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I would suggest that probably the best destructive method of analysis is using an induction furnace. The LECO furnaces can do good quality C and S determinations on metal samples. Quite a few university Earth Science laboratories have these furnaces for determination of C and S in rocks. See: http://www.leco.com/resources/application_note_subs/pdf/inorganic/Analytical%20Tips/C- S209-141-001.pdf Obviously, this method is only good where samples can be destroyed. Some of the other potential techniques used are somewhat sensitive to other elements in the iron apart from C (such as P and As) - so this is a good direct approach. Tim On 27 May 2010 at 10:27, Amalia Siatou wrote: > dear all, > > I'm a metals conservator from Greece doing a master in materials science. Part of my thesis is the study of archaeological iron and bronze. I came across some difficutlies in measuring the carbon content of archaeological iron (roman nails). Using SEM-EDS the percentage measured was particularly high (almost 10%) which doesn't follow the dating of the objects. Furthermore, I was anable to find adequate equipment to perform chemical analysis. > Do you know of a different method of estimating the carbon percentage in iron? > > thank you in advance > > sincerely > Amalia Siatou -- Dr Tim Young Email: [log in to unmask] Web: www.geoarch.co.uk Phone: 029 20881431 Mobile: 07802 413704 Fax: 08700 547366