Testing Natural Knitted Membranes, hygroscopic and UV resistance, for Cultural Heritage protection

Abstract This paper proposes a methodology for testing knitted textiles made of natural fibres, moving beyond the current reliance on synthetic materials in technical applications. The aim is to explore the potential and limits of these materials for architectural use in cultural heritage protection. The study specifically compares natural fibres (hemp, flax, and wool) against PET as a synthetic benchmark. An experimental campaign analyses key hygroscopic properties, including absorption rate, across different materials and knit structures. Additionally, it addresses the crucial limitation of UV resistance for natural in solar protection, testing their degradation under prolonged radiation. This material characterisation is then contextualised within a representative indoor heritage scenario where moisture regulation is critical. The research demonstrates that knitted natural fibres can enhance indoor environmental quality while maintaining compatibility with conservation principles of minimal and reversible intervention. The proposed methodology integrates this experimental testing with a forecasted modelling workflow, forming a design‐oriented process to develop adaptable, sustainable textile systems for heritage applications.