Detection of Metallic Mordants on Textiles by Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission

A group of modern wool and cotton samples prepared as mordanted standards was subjected to particle-induced x-ray emission analysis (PIXE). The mordants applied were potassium aluminum sulfate, cupric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, stannous chloride, and potassium dichromate. Results agreed with analyses of identical mordanted standards by energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry in a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS)

The Identification and Characterization of Metal Wrappings in Historic Textiles Using Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry: Problems Associated with Identification and Characterization

Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) has been employed for the description of metal wrapped yarns. Although considerable detail is obtainable as microphotographs, and elemental analysis is obtained with ease, caution should be exercised in interpreting results. Several unravelled samples should be examined; light microscopy should be employed prior to SEM-EDS analysis. Examination of eight specimens (six from the textile collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; two from private collections) is described. The samples were Chinese (5), German (1), Spanish (1), Turkish (1). Difficulties encountered in describing this set of samples are enumerated

Weighted Silks Observed Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

A group of modern silk fabrics was treated with various weighting agents as standards. These standards were observed using energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. The standards were compared to untreated samples and to museum specimens of weighted silks. In all prepared specimens the elements expected from treatment were observed; weighting treatments could be distinguished. The analytical procedures are discussed and compared to recent work on mordant analysis using the same techniques