Metallographic Study of Great Anthony Historical Bronze Bells of Apostle Andrew Skete in Mount Athos, Greece

In the present study, a comprehensive microstructural analysis of the fractured bells of Great Anthony Church of Saint Andrew Skete of Mount Athos, a significant monument of Orthodox tradition and Cultural heritage, was performed. The bronze alloy chemical composition together with metallographic examination, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy toward the identification of the phases and other micro-constituents and discontinuities present in the internal structure was documented and illustrated in conjunction with the applied bell manufacturing process. Tin bronze alloy was used for bell making, with a chemical composition (up to 18% Sn as a main alloying element) signifying most likely that the bell was produced at the Empire era. The as-cast microstructure primarily consisted of α-dendrites and α + δ interdendritic eutectoid mixture with Pb globules and scattered porosity. Furthermore, electron backscattered diffraction analysis was conducted in order to determine texture properties and obtain crystallographic information regarding the bells’ cast structure.