Application of Chitosan/Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Nanocomposite and Orvus WA Paste Surfactant in the Treatment and Conservation of Archaeological Textile Remains

This study discusses the treatment and conservation of the remains of a woven fabric fragment excavated from a site in the Eastern Mountain of Sohag, Upper Egypt, using a chitosan/hydroxypropyl cellulose (Cs/HPC) nanocomposite. A range of analytical techniques was employed to assess the deterioration. of the textile, including SEM–EDX, stereo microscopy, light microscopy, and FTIR analysis to characterize the functional groups of the fibers. In addition, the pH values and color changes of the textile fragment were measured before and after treatment.A microbiological study was also conducted using nutrient media to identify the main types of bacteria and fungi present on the artefact. For the wet-cleaning process, Orvus WA Paste, an anionic surfactant, was used. The Cs/HPC nanocomposite was applied for both reinforcement and microbiological protection of the textile fragment. The properties of this composite demonstrated effectiveness in antimicrobial activity as well as textile consolidation. Documentation and analysis revealed that the textile was a plain weave (plain weft fabric, 3/3 in the weft direction), composed of linen warp threads and dyed wool weft threads. Color-change measurements indicated a noticeable improvement in the L* value after treatment, increasing from 27.89 to 28.44 in undyed areas and from 53.54 to 55.33 in dyed areas. FTIR analysis of the linen warp fibres revealed significant cellulose degradation resulting from various deterioration factors.