Effects of UV, Humidity, and High Temperature Exposure on Linen Fibers

Generally, the most common damaging factors for linen textile materials are the environmental conditions, their handling, and natural decay. Such environmental factors are ultraviolet (UV) radiation, humidity, and high temperature. Therefore, to investigate the effects these factors may cause, an accelerated weathering test was conducted on linen fabrics, using alternating cycles of UV exposure and humidity, along with relatively high temperatures. The effects of this test were investigated using non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis techniques. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe any modifications appearing at the surface of the fibers. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDS) was employed in conjunction with SEM for obtaining the spectrum of the chemical elements that were present at the surface of the linen samples. The modifications of functional groups occurring due to the weathering of linen were assessed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The color change of the samples was measured with a spectrophotometer. All the acquired information can be used as a starting point for the development of customized environmental parameters for keeping patrimony linen fabrics in museums in optimum conditions, thus preventing further damage. Additionally, the artificially weathered fabrics will be further employed in conservation experiments as substitute for old linen fabrics.