Decoding Ancient Metallurgy through Multiscale Characterization of Archaeological Slag
Project Description
Archaeological slag preserves a materials record of past metallurgical processes, including smelting, smithing, and other pyrotechnologies. However, its heterogeneous, multiphase nature makes reliable characterization and archaeological interpretation challenging. This interdisciplinary project integrates materials engineering and archaeology to determine how slag composition, phases, microstructure, and three-dimensional features can be used to reconstruct ancient processing conditions and technological practices.
Slag samples from known archaeological and experimental contexts will be characterized using complementary techniques including optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray computed tomography. Comparing information across length scales and analytical methods will establish relationships between processing history and measurable material features and identify best practices for slag characterization.
The project will provide the foundation for an open digital reference library linking slag composition, microstructure, morphology, processing context, and archaeological interpretation. The resulting framework may also contribute to understanding industrial slags for reuse, recycling, and environmental applications.
By integrating archaeological context with materials engineering approaches to composition, microstructure, and processing, this collaboration will connect material evidence with past technological practices and demonstrate how perspectives from both fields can provide insights that neither discipline could achieve independently.
Start Date
August 2027
Postdoc Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, archaeology/archaeological science, anthropology, or a closely related field, with demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research. Experience with materials characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, or X-ray computed tomography is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in archaeometallurgy, archaeological materials, ceramics, slags, metals, or other heterogeneous materials are particularly encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate should have strong quantitative and analytical skills and an interest in connecting materials composition, microstructure, and processing with archaeological context and interpretation. Experience integrating data from multiple characterization techniques, image analysis, or development of digital datasets is beneficial. The candidate should demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, and the ability to conduct independent research while engaging effectively with researchers in both materials engineering and anthropology.
Co-advisors
- Mohamad Zbib, mzbib@purdue.edu, Associate Professor of Practice, School of Materials Engineering.
- H. Kory Cooper, hkcooper@purdue.edu, Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, Native American and Indigenous Studies Program.
Bibliography
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