• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.579-588
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• 2016

This study analyzed nonmetallic inclusions in iron swords with a ring pommel excavated in the Ipbuk-dong, Suwon. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS) was used to estimate the iron-making temperature, and we compared the oxide with $SiO_2$ to investigate the heat-treatment technology in the production of iron swords with a ring pommel by investigating the artificial insertion of a slag former and the metallurgical structure. From the wustite observed in most of the specimens, it is judged that these swords were produced by heating and forging iron smelted at a low temperature using the solid reduction method. In addition, judging from the partial presence of $P_2O_5$, it is assumed that they were smelted directly with natural ore, not calcined. From the ratios of $CaO/SiO_2$ and $TiO_2/SiO_2$, it is judged that the raw material for iron-making was iron ore and that a calcareous slag former was not artificially inserted. The structure of the blade part on the front end was pure iron. From the high carbon content of the blade part on the ring pommel and the formation of a martensitic structure and pearlite colony, it is judged that they were tempered after carburizing and that the back, handle part, and ring pommel were unintentionally carburized. Judging from the structure of these specimens, it was noted that they were produced by applying artificial partial heat-treatment technology. This study attempted to present a more scientific analysis by using the method of interpretation through component analysis of nonmetallic inclusions appearing in one relic by the ratio of the oxide divided by $SiO_2$. It is judged that reinterpreting the arguments by the results of the existing analysis and research in this way can obtain different interpretations.