While PEG has been widely recommended for use as a consolidant for wood and textiles, little research has been found on its effect on specific fibers or its behavior during aging. PEG has been used in conservation for at least twenty-five years, yet no research has been located delineating any negative consequences of its use. While PEG treatment is claimed to be completely reversible (Brown, 1974; Marx, 1975), the extent of its reversibility and the effect of its removal have yet to be measured. No research has yet been located quantifying its performance as a textile consolidant, nor has any research been found that addresses its effect on specific fibers. In consideration of the current lack of quantified information on PEG and its use as a textile consolidant, the purpose of this research project is to:
1. Determine the current level of knowledge and understanding of conservation, stabilization, and accelerated aging treatment of cotton textiles.
2. Compare the effect of two molecular weights of PEG, 400 and 1000, across two application methods, spraying and immersion, selected performance characteristics of cotton textiles.
3. Determine the extent of reversibility of PEG treatment on cotton textiles treated with the most effective combination of molecular weight and PEG application procedure as determined by increase in tensile strength.
4. Determine the effects of accelerated aging treatment on the tensile strength, flexibility and color of a cotton textile and PEG composite of the most effective combination of molecular weight and application procedure, as determined by increase in strength
