Adrian S Posted December 2, 2011 Report Posted December 2, 2011 G'day to all, A few years ago I proposed the possible use of Carbon 14 to determine the age of nihonto. I said I would update you all on any developments. Recently I have been discussing this project with the head scientists at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization ( ANSTO ) discussing the feasibility of the Lawrence Livermore University methodology. For those of you interested here is an article that gives some interesting background information. http://www.tms.org/pubs/journals/JOM/03 ... -0305.html Now here's the latest. 1) Sample size of ancient steel can now be as small as 0.10gram and still get a good result. That's good news 2) The last 300 years are not giving an accurate C14 dating as the atmosphere during this period had extra C12 and C13 that doesn't allow a true reading. Effect of the industrial revolution I guess. That's bad news, though I suggest more research is needed on this information 3) Swords with recycled steel will be a big problem as the readings will be way off. That's more bad news 4) Steels produced in a blast furnace using coke or coal as fuel will not be able to give a reading. Bad news for imported steels , especially from early Chinese imports using their ancient smelting techniques. 5) C14 test would cost about $1200. That's real bad news My conclusion is that C14 dating will be impractical for the time being due to problems with attaining accurate readings on nihonto and because of the destructive testing procedure. The good news is that the scientists I have discussed this with say that multiple non destructive C14 readings using micro lazer ablation will be possible in 10 or so years. At the same time dating will be possible using other radioactive isotopes (this may help date non-tamehagane steel types). The multiple readings will give us a better chance with recycled steel blades, assuming some new steel was used in the blade somewhere. We will have to wait until then, Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted December 2, 2011 Report Posted December 2, 2011 Could you request two or three small samples of lifted surface steel from the polisher at time of sending for polish? Would for example a section of steel-impregnated sandpaper be enough? Quote
Adrian S Posted December 2, 2011 Author Report Posted December 2, 2011 G'day Piers, Nope, the sample has to be clean and in one piece and free of contaminants. cheers, Quote
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