Gamma irradiation of protein-based textiles for historical collections decontamination

• Published in: Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry Vol. 118; no. 2; pp. 977 - 985
• Main Authors: Geba, Maria, Lisa, Gabriela, Ursescu, Cristina Marta, Olaru, Angelica, Spiridon, Iuliana, Leon, Ana Lacramioara, Stanculescu, Ioana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-11-2014; Springer
• Subjects: Analysis; Analytical Chemistry; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Collection; Fabrics; Gamma rays; Infrared spectroscopy; Inorganic Chemistry; Irradiation; Measurement Science and Instrumentation; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Silk; Textiles; Thermal analysis; Wool; Mechanical properties; Gamma irradiation; TG; ATR-FTIR; Historical silk and wool; DTG
• ISSN: 1388-6150; 1588-2926; 1572-8943
• DOI: 10.1007/s10973-014-3988-8

In order to investigate the effect of gamma rays on cultural heritage materials, samples of silk and wool fabrics were subjected to accelerated ageing testing and then irradiated with different gamma-ray doses: 10 and 25 kGy. In the data analysis, combining thermal analysis (TG and DTG), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and mechanical tests allowed us to explore the changes in physical and chemical features for silk and wool, in relationship to the radiation doses. This analytical protocol offers a way to examine the behaviour of the textiles made of wool and silk within museum collections and their response to gamma-rays irradiation treatment. An exposure to a dose of 10 kGy did not cause significant changes in the tested properties; however, higher doses initiated irreversible loss in the physical and chemical stability of protein-based fabrics. Increasing the irradiation dose above 10 kGy has drastic effects in the loss of elasticity and the mechanical resistance of the tested yarns.