Linen Samples Research Articles

Multi-Technique Characterization of Cartonnage and Linen Samples of an Egyptian Mummy from the Roman Period

The historical and cultural significance of artistic works and archaeological artifacts underscores the imperative use of non-destructive testing methods in cultural heritage objects. Analyzing pigments in artwork poses a specific analytical challenge that demands a combination of various techniques to accurately determine chemical compositions. In this context, our work focused on the multi-analytical characterization of samples derived from fragments of a Roman-era Egyptian mummy named Kherima, dating back to around 200 AD. To identify the layers and elemental composition of the pigments used in the decoration, various techniques were employed: X-ray microfluorescence (µXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution optical microscopy (OM), and X-ray computed microtomography (microCT). This multi-analytical approach facilitated the identification of the original pigments in the analyzed mummy fragments, along with insights into the materials used in the ground layer and the techniques applied in artifact manufacturing, indicating their accordance with the historical period and region to which they originally belonged.

Antimicrobial printed linen fabric by using brewer’s yeast enzyme

BackgroundIn this research, a brewer’s yeast suspension was used to biotreat raw linen fibers under a range of different circumstances utilizing an ultrasonic cleaner device. In order to optimize circumstances for the treatment process, this extensive work is focused on examining the variables that could affect the biotreatment, such as the amount of brewer’s yeast used, the duration, the temperature of the treatment, and the pH throughout the treatment. After enzymatic treatment, the printing process utilizing turmeric natural dye was used. Variable assesses were conducted to determine the steaming time, thermofixation time, pH of the printing paste, types of dyes, and types of fabrics. How these elements affected the wettability and fabric color strength is investigated. To better comprehend, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the morphology of treated and untreated linen samples. The effects of treating the fibers with yeast enzyme on their multifunctional qualities, such as color and antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcusaureus and gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, were assessed.ResultsResults demonstrated that the enzyme extract, which predominantly contains lipase, amylase, and protease enzymes that develop the fabric printability, is responsible for the increase of color strength which increased by about 152.27% with good fastness properties compared by the untreated printed samples.ConclusionsThe overall findings showed that the treated fabrics have superior color fastness and antibacterial properties when compared to the untreated fabrics, demonstrating that the procedure of production used to create these multifunctional linen fabrics is environmentally friendly.

A sustainable approach for linen dyeing and finishing with natural lac dye through chitosan bio-mordanting and microwave heating

Sustainability has become a global requirement in all industries. In the textile sector sustainability can be achieved by developing innovative techniques, approaches, and machinery. The current study introduces a sustainable approach for linen dyeing with natural lac dye using microwave heating after the treatment with chitosan as a cationic bio-mordant. The chitosan treatment was carried out by a pad/dry-cure process with citric or acetic acid. Linen samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results confirmed the deposition of chitosan on linen fabric with both citric and acetic acid. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the change in the crystallinity of linen fabric after chitosan treatment and lac dyeing. The color strength results confirmed the successful application of chitosan as a bio-mordant and the efficiency of microwave heating in shortage the dyeing period in lac dyeing, where the K/S increased from 1.54 to reach 18.86 and 13 with acetic and citric acid, respectively in 7 min. Furthermore, the maximum color strength was achieved at pH 3 of lac dye and the presence of chitosan eliminated the usage of salt in the lac dyeing of linen fabrics. Fastness properties of the lac dyed linen fabrics to wash, light, and perspiration have been discussed. The functional properties (antibacterial activity and UV protection) of linen fabrics were assessed. The antibacterial activity was decreased after the chitosan-treated linen samples were dyed with lac dye. However, the UPF of linen samples was enhanced after lac dyeing.

Potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people handling linens used by COVID-19 patients before and after washing

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when people handle linens is uncertain. We examined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on linens, in the air, and on personal protective equipment (PPE) to assess potential infection risk among individuals who handle linens used by SARS-CoV-2-infected people. Patients in a hospital and an accommodation facility who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 participated in this study in 2020. Linen samples before washing or disinfection, rinse water after washing or disinfection, air in the workplace at the hospital and an accommodation facility, and the PPE worn by linen-handling people were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and viable viruses. Among 700 samples from 13 SARS-CoV-2-infected participants and their surrounding environment, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected from 14% (52/362) of the linens used by COVID-19 patients (cycle threshold [Ct] value: 33–40). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected from 8% (2/26) of rinse water after washing or disinfection, from 15% (16/104) of air samples in the workspace, and from 10% (5/52) of gowns worn by linen-handling people, all with high Ct values (> 36). No SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from any samples. The potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from handling linens used by SARS-CoV-2-infected people exists but appears to below.

Development of functional glow-in-the-dark photoluminescence linen fabrics with ultraviolet sensing and shielding.

Linen fibres were coated with a glow-in-the-dark photoluminescence, flame-retarding, and hydrophobic smart nanocomposite using the pad-dry-curing process. Ecologically friendly ammonium polyphosphate and lanthanide-activated strontium aluminium oxide (LSAO) nanoparticles were immobilized into linen fabric using eco-friendly room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber. Different analytical techniques were used to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental compositions of LSAO nanoparticles and treated linen textiles. The self-extinguishing properties of the treated linen textiles were tested for their fire resistance. After 24 washing cycles, the coated linen samples retained their flame-retarding properties. The treated linen's superhydrophobicity rose in direct proportion to the LSAO concentration. After being excited at 365 nm, the colourless luminescent film that was coated on linen surface gave out an emission wavelength of 519 nm. The photoluminescent linen was monitored to create a range of different colours, including off-white in daytime light and green under ultraviolet (UV) light radiation, according to the Commission Internationale de l'éclairage laboratory colorimetric coordinates and photoluminescence spectra. Emission, excitation, and lifetime spectral analysis of the treated linen revealed persistent phosphorescence. For mechanical and comfort evaluation, the coated linen textiles' bending length and air permeability were assessed. Good UV light shielding and enhanced antibacterial activity were detected in the treated linens.

Simple Preparation of Multifunctional Luminescent Textile for Smart Packaging.

Linen has been a significant material for textile packaging. Thus, the application of the simple spray-coating method to coat linen fibers with a flame-retardant, antimicrobial, hydrophobic, and anticounterfeiting luminescent nanocomposite is an innovative technique. In this new approach, the ecologically benign room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber was employed to immobilize the environmentally friendly Exolit AP 422 (Ex) and lanthanide-doped strontium aluminum oxide (RESAO) nanoscale particles onto the linen fibrous surface. Both morphological properties and elemental compositions of RESAO and treated fabrics were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In the fire resistance test, the treated linen fabrics produced a char layer, giving them the property of self-extinguishing. Furthermore, the coated linen samples’ fire-retardant efficacy remained intact after 35 washing cycles. As the concentration of RESAO increased, so did the treated linen superhydrophobicity. Upon excitation at 366 nm, an emission band of 519 nm was generated from a colorless luminescent film deposited onto the linen surface. The coated linen displayed a luminescent activity by changing color from off-white beneath daylight to green beneath UV source, which was proved by CIE Lab parameters and photoluminescence spectral analysis. The photoluminescence effect was identified in the treated linen as reported by emission, excitation, and decay time spectral analysis. The comfort properties of coated linen fabrics were measured to assess their mechanical and comfort features. The treated linen exhibited excellent UV shielding and improved antimicrobial performance. The current simple strategy could be useful for large-scale production of multifunctional smart textiles such as packaging textiles.

Evaluation of guar gum for the consolidation of some cellulosic packaging materials for mummies

As known, linen and muslin cotton fibers are used in museums and excavation areas as packaging materials for first aid of mummies. These materials with the course of long-term exposure to improper surrounding conditions become brittle, fragile, and very weak. The current research study aimed to evaluate the effect of guar gum with different concentrations for the consolidation of linen and muslin cotton samples. Additionally, the work aimed also to monitor the changes in the properties of these mate-rials after accelerated heat aging at 100℃. The analytical techniques used for this purpose were Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for examining the chemical changes, the morphological structure via using scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation), color and weight change for the treated linen and muslin cotton fabrics. The findings of FTIR proved that there were low chemical changes in the aged treated samples compared to the aged untreated samples implying that the chemical stability of the treated samples was increased while treatment with guar gum. There was good distribution in the fiber structure of the treated samples as shown from SEM data. The aged treated samples showed less destruction in the fiber structure compared to the aged untreated samples. The mechanical properties were also improved. The total color differences obtained from treated and aged treated muslin cotton samples were better than the linen samples. Moreover, the accelerated heat aging had an effect on the weight of the aged treated samples, which were better than the aged untreated samples.

The effects of sol–gel coatings doped with zinc salts and zinc oxide nanopowders on multifunctional performance of linen fabric

In this study, it was aimed to provide multifunctional performance characteristics like ultraviolet protection, antibacterial activity and antiwrinkle effect on linen fabrics in one process by sol–gel coatings doped with different zinc chemicals. In addition, the effects of nano-sized zinc oxide nanopowders and micro-sized zinc salts were also discussed and compared. As control samples, both unfinished and pure silica coated (undoped) linen samples were used and as sol–gel coatings, ten sol–gel coatings were prepared with zinc salts (zinc acetate, zinc nitrate and zinc sulphate) and zinc oxide nanopowders. The coatings were applied to linen fabrics by pad-dry-cure method. Then, add on % values, ultraviolet protection factors, antibacterial properties, wrinkle recovery angles, tensile strength and elongation at break values, bending length and bending rigidity values and whiteness–yellowness values were determined according to the standard test methods. The coating film layer on the fiber surfaces and elemental content of the coatings were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR-ATR) analysis was used to determine the changes in chemical structures of the linen fabric samples after finishing processes and X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to characterize the zinc oxide nanopowders. As a result of the study, antiwrinkle effect, antibacterial activity and ultraviolet protection effect could be improved in one process and in terms of physical properties no considerable changes were observed. From the point of functional efficiency, nano-sized zinc oxide nanopowders were more favorable than micro-sized zinc salts.

Color fastness of fabrics after dyeing with fungal dyes

PurposeThe study aims to test the color fastness of wool and linen fabrics dyed by simple immersion in ethanol dissolutions of fungal dyes.Design/methodology/approachEthanol dissolutions ofTalaromyces australisandPenicillium murcianumdyes were prepared to a concentration of 0.3% and used to dye wool and linen samples by immersion. Color fastness to washing, dry cleaning, wet and dry rubbing, perspiration and light, were tested according to AATCC standards.FindingsColor fastness reached acceptable results at dry cleaning and wet and dry rubbing by crocking but did not performed well at laundering, perspiration and light exposure. Results indicate that ethanol dissolutions of tested dyes had better affinity for wool fabrics than linen, but the dyeing method requires further improvements to be considered attractive for full scale applications.Originality/valueIn this work sustainability of fabrics dyeing is improved by using natural pigments produced by filamentous fungi and a method to dye that requires no increment of temperature and mordants.

The Biofungicide Activity of Some Plant Essential Oils for the Cleaner Production of Model Linen Fibers Similar to Those Used in Ancient Egyptian Mummification

In this work, the essential oils (EOs) from Eriocephalus africanus leaf, Vitex agnus-castus leaf and fruit, Cymbopogon citratus leaf, and Rosmarinus officinalis leaf were used as antifungal agents against isolated Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, and Penicillium chrysogenum from an ancient Egyptian child’s mummy. The isolated fungi were used to colonize the samples of linen fibers. The best oil was used as a novel natural product for the cleaner production of model linen fibers similar to those used in ancient Egyptian mummification. Standard and original linen fibers were compared with the infected Linen samples using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The FTIR revealed the changes in the molecular structure of the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of the infected linen fibers. The cellulose crystallinity indices decreased to 64.61%, 52.69%, and 54.63% in the linen inoculated with A. flavus, C. cladosporioides, and P. chrysogenum compared to the control sample (72.08%), thereby affecting the chemical properties of the cellulose. The mycelia inhibition percentages of the three fungi reached 100% after the leaf EO from V. agnus-castus was applied, followed by C. citratus. The V. agnus-castus leaf EO applied at contraptions of 250, 500, 50, 1000, and 2000 µL/mL showed 100% inhibition for A. flavus and P. chrysogenum and reached 100% against C. cladosporioides at concentrations of 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 µL/mL. C. citratus leaf essential oil applied at concentrations of 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 µL/mL showed 100% inhibition to the growth of A. flavus and C. cladosporioides and reached 100% inhibition against the growth of P. chrysogenum at concentrations of 750, 1000 and 2000 µL/mL. This inhibition could be related to the main compounds of caryophyllene (23.13%), eucalyptol (20.59%), sabinene (β-thujene) (12.2%), γ-elemene (9%), and β-farnesene (6.14%) identified in V. agnus-castus leaf EO or due to the main compounds of β-citral (43.63%) and geranial (41.51%), as identified in the leaf EO of C. citratus by GC/MS. The morphological changes in the hyphae of the fungi were observed via SEM examination, where V. agnus-castus leaf EO, the best active oil, showed potent inhibition to fungi grown on the model linen fiber. In this way, the morphology and the structure of the hyphae were effectively changed. Our findings prove that the designed model linen fiber treated with V. agnus-castus leaf EO is able to preserve wrapping fibres and represents a novel natural alternative for effective fungicidal treatment.

Proecting of functional structure of fish product

The article touches upon the issue of the increasing way of fish products nutrition, the provision of a normal course of exchange processes in an organism and fish production with various micronutrients additives. Fish products enrich a compounding with proteins, vitamins and mineral substances, and also significantly reduce caloric content. Compounding creation is to partly replace a white bread by bran linen and replace the water by turnip adding. This allows enriching the product with food fibers, micro and macrocells and vitamins. The bran linen samples (10, 20 and 30 %) were investigated for optimum present of vegetable raw materials determination. The samples were made to determinate the optimum functional and organoleptic characteristics of semi-finished products. Prepared experimental samples of combined fish cutlets with vegetable raw materials addition and control sample “fish cutlets” were tested for quality according to physical-chemical and organoleptic indices. That indicates their biological value and quality. Content investigation of such extremely scarce amino acids as a lysine, methionine and tryptophane shows that the fish cutlets «Selyanochka» exceeds a control sample only on amino acid of a lysine of 26.7%, and on the others showed an equal quantity. The same situation is with the content of the amino acids influencing growth process and development (a leucine, an isoleucine and threonine) for 7.7%; 33.3% and 42.8% respectively in comparison with control. The new type of cutlets with functional ingredients has a number of useful properties for a human body and can be recommended for preventive foods.

X-ray Dating of Ancient Linen Fabrics

We propose a new method for dating ancient linen threads by inspecting their structural degradation by means of wide-angle X-ray scattering. X-ray dating of a textile sample can be performed nondestructively and on a submillimeter area, e.g., 0.2 × 0.5 mm2, exploiting new table-top X-ray micro-sources. A theoretical formula is derived for dating linen samples directly from wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements. Our preliminary results show that X-ray dating results are in agreement with other dating sources, such as the radiocarbon method and historical records, if some conditions are satisfied. Indeed, this new dating method can be applied only to threads not older than about thirty centuries because of the saturation of the structural degradation with age. Moreover, the method can be applied only on textiles in which cellulose degradation is mainly due by natural aging arising from thermal, hydrolytic, photolytic, photochemical, and oxidative processes. Analyses can be repeated several times on the same sample, which remains unaltered for other complementary characterization procedures. The proposed X-ray dating of some ancient linen fabrics opens the way to explore limits and potentialities of this new approach and to further develop a new dating method, alternative to the existing ones for specific applications in archeological studies.

Distorted oil paintings and wax-resin impregnation – A kinetic study of moisture sorption and tension in canvas

Abstract Wax-resin impregnation and lining are former widely used conservation methods. It is well-known that these methods slow down moisture diffusion into the canvas and changes the corresponding development of tension. However, the rate at which these processes happen are not well characterized and it is therefore unclear how long treated paintings are protected from high moisture environments. In the present work, moisture sorption characteristics of wax-resin impregnated linen samples were measured using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) and tensile tests. Samples of untreated linen, wax-resin impregnated linen and Berger's Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol (BEVA) treated linen as well as an aged wax-resin treated lining canvas from 1958 were measured. The samples were in equilibrium at 42% relative humidity at 23 °C in DVS and tensiometer when the relative humidity was stepped to 69% RH while monitoring the development of mass and tension respectively in the canvases. This showed that there is no or little delay from the time moisture is taken up by linen fibers until swelling and the possible tension build up sets in. Both wax-resin impregnated and non-impregnated samples took up moisture when the relative humidity was stepped up, but the wax-resin impregnated samples did so at a much slower pace than the non-impregnated ones. Tension built up in some canvas samples already at 69% relative humidity whereas others stayed unaffected until a relative humidity of 82% was reached. The findings confirmed that a fine weave canvas, tightly spun thread and the presence of wax-resin matrix in the voids between fibers all are factors that characterize a painting at risk of climate related shrinkage damage. It was also demonstrated that BEVA gel treatment had very little effect on the rate of moisture sorption as there was no penetration of the canvas. In the aged lining canvas, moisture was taken up at a rate that was intermediate between untreated and wax-resin impregnated linen, which was ascribed to cracks in the wax-resin coating.

The influence of gamma irradiation on the color change of wool, linen, silk, and cotton fabrics used in cultural heritage artifacts

Fabrics made of wool, linen, silk, and cotton, which are used in the making of artifacts of cultural heritage, were divided into three groups. The first group wasn’t dyed, the second group was dyed with natural dye (using sour cherry), and the third one was dyed with artificial aniline dye. For the conservation purposes, all samples were exposed at ambient temperature to gamma radiation doses, from 0.5 to 25 kGy, using a Co-60 irradiator. The influence of gamma irradiation treatment on the color changes was investigated. The obtained results revealed that the irradiation affects the color changes in all samples. All samples became more or less darker under the influence of gamma irradiation. This change in darkness is most pronounced in samples dyed with natural colors. Also, the highest differences in color change and darkness were observed in linen samples.

Research of Fluorinated Acrylate Copolymer on Flax Fabric

A fluorine-containing acrylate copolymer emulsion was prepared in this study, which was applied to finishing linen fabric. Dodecafluloroheptry methacrylate (G04) was used as a modified monomer, butylacrylate (BA) and methylacrylate (MMA) as soft and hard monomers. respectively, and acrylic acid as a functional monomer. Structure and properties of the products were characterised and analyzed by FTIR, TEM, PSD and CA measurements, respectively. The water and air permeability as well as the breaking force of the fabric treated were also investigated. The results showed that the fluorine-containing acrylate copolymer emulsion obtained had a core-shell structure, and the microsphere was of nanoscale size. Because of the latex film on the fabric surface, it became smooth and flat. And the increase in G04 was beneficial to the mechanical properties, waterproofness and antifouling ability of the linen fabric. When the content of G04 were increased from 0% to 20%, the water in the linen sample and hexadecane contact angles to the copolymer film increased from 113.02° to 136.08° and from 65.1° to 87.6°, respectively. Furthermore the breaking force of the linen samples was enhanced from 648 N to 721 N. However, the increasing content of G04 had negative effects on the flexural rigidity as well as water and air permeability of the fabric, which were essential requirements for the fabric’s application. However, the wash resistance was excellent and the wear-resistance of the finished linen fabric was better than the unfinished linen fabric.

Characterization of the surface properties of cellulosic fibers in fibrous and ground forms by IGC and contact angle measurements

Surface properties of fibrous and ground cotton and linen were investigated by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) and the contact angle with different liquids was also measured on fabrics composed of both fibers. Results proved that dispersion component of surface tension (γ s d ) determined by IGC depends not only on the surface energy, but also on several factors influencing the adsorbability of probe molecules on the cellulosic substrates. For cotton samples, the trapping of n-alkanes among waxy molecules in the outer layer of fibers can be presumed. This effect results in larger γ s d for cotton fibers than for linen in spite of the higher wettability of the linen fabrics. Besides the surface energy and trapping effects, the grinding also influences the γ s d values. Specific enthalpy of adsorption (ΔH ) of polar probes could be determined on all linen samples, but only on the ground cotton sample. Lewis acid-base character calculated for linen and ground cotton samples depends on the same effects as the γ s d does. The similar ΔH A ab values of chloroform (acidic) and THF (basic) measured on each of the samples support the conclusion that the surface character is amphoteric, which is also proved by the high ΔH values of the amphoteric ethyl acetate and acetone probes.

Seasonal Outbreak of Bacillus Bacteremia Associated With Contaminated Linen in Hong Kong.

A high seasonal incidence of Bacillus bacteremia was associated with the use of contaminated hospital linens. An outbreak investigation was conducted to study the incidence and source of Bacillus bacteremia during the baseline, outbreak, and postoutbreak period from 1 January 2012 through 31 July 2016 at a university-affiliated teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Replicate organism detection and counting plates were used for microbial screening of linen samples. The Bacillus species isolated from patient and linen samples were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and were phylogenetically analyzed. During the study period, a total of 113 207 blood cultures were collected from 43 271 patients, of which 978 (0.86%) specimens from 744 (1.72%) patients were identified as Bacillus species. The incidence of Bacillus bacteremia per 10 000 patient admissions and per 10 000 patient-days was significantly higher during the summer outbreak as compared with baseline and 1 year postoutbreak after cessation of the linen supply from the designated laundry and change of laundry protocol (39.97 vs 18.21 vs 2.27; 13.36 vs 5.61 vs 0.73; P < .001). The mean total aerobic bacterial count per 100 cm2 was significantly higher among the 99 linen samples screened during the outbreak period compared to the 100 screened in the postoutbreak period (916.0 ± 641.6 vs 0.6 ± 1.6; P < .001). Blood culture isolates of Bacillus cereus group in 14 of 87 (16.1%) patients were phylogenetically associated with 9 linen sample isolates. Suboptimal conditions of hospital laundry contributed to the seasonal outbreak of Bacillus bacteremia.

Novel synthesis of nanoparticles-based back coating flame-retardant materials for historic textile fabrics conservation

Novel flame-retardant back coating layer for historic textile fabrics was developed. Silica nanoparticles originated from agriculture waste rice husk were prepared through one pot thermal method. The morphological and structure properties of nanoparticles were studied. The silica nanoparticles were further impregnated with organic borate producing flame-retardant composite. The obtained composite incorporated with the binder by mechanical mixing providing flame-retardant coating paste. The coating paste spread on the back surface of textile fabrics. Varied compositions of nanoparticles, binder and organic borate were studied in the back coating layer. The flammability, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the blank and treated samples of linen fabrics as an inner support to the historical textiles were investigated. Flame retardancy of the back-coated linen samples has improved achieved high class of flame-retardant textile fabrics of zero rate of burning compared to 80.3 mm/min for blank. The synergistic effect of flame retardancy between nanoparticles and organic borate was investigated. The tensile strength of the flame retardant fabrics was enhanced by 27% and elongation was improved. The effect of industrial aging on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of flame-retardant back coating textiles was studied.

Optimization of enzymatic & ultrasonic bio-scouring of linen fabrics by aid of Box-Behnken Experimental Design

Biotechnology and eco-friendly technologies (ultrasound, ultraviolet, ozone, etc.) called as green chemistry play an important role in the field of environmental protection. In this study, the desizing and bio-scouring of greige woven linen fabrics with commercial enzymes in the one bath was performed by the aid of ultrasound energy. The five factors with three levels Box–Behnken response surface experimental design was chosen to study and optimize the influence of process variables, such as amylase concentration (0–1 g/L), laccase concentration (0–1 g/L), pectinase concentration (0–1 g/L), sonication time (20–60 min) and treatment temperature (30–70 °C), on the whiteness, lightness, weight loss and hydrophility properties of linen samples. The regression model provided an excellent explanation of the relationship among the independent variables and the response. The achieved results indicated that the efficiency of desizing and bio-scouring could be remarkably improved by the aid of ultrasound energy. Also enzymatic & ultrasonic pretreatment of linen fabrics provides thermal energy, time and chemical savings. The results obtained confirm that enzymatic & ultrasonic bio-scouring of linen fabric can be performed in three different ways depending on the required properties.

Embalming as a Source of Contamination for Radiocarbon dating of Egyptian Mummies: On a New Chemical Protocol to Extract Bitumen

Radiocarbon dating of Egyptian mummies could be challenged by embalming materials, especially bitumen which is attested in textual sources as being used during the Late Period. Six Egyptian mummies held at the Musée des Confluences in Lyon (France) have been radiocarbon dated, among which two embalmed mummies have given results older than expected, both on textile and organic material (flesh/skin). Radiocarbon dates’ ageing relates to the use of a radiocarbon depleted material that is not extracted by classical radiocarbon chemical pre-treatment. In this study, the presence of bitumen is corroborated by infrared spectroscopy analyses. The present paper describes the research we employed to extract bitumen from mummies’ linen wrappings. An experimental protocol has been developed and tested on modern linen textiles; it divides into four steps: textile soaking in bitumen – linen samples thermal degradation – extraction protocol – infrared analyses and radiocarbon dating at each step. Test-samples show that bitumen has been correctly extracted only on samples that have not been artificially aged, others remain radiocarbon depleted. Presently, the protocol is not efficient enough to be applied on archaeological samples. The difficulty does not rely on the bitumen present, but on the interactions developed between bitumen and linen fibres over time. Further perspectives and on-going research’s steps will also be described that enabled this study to restore these mummies to their chronological context.