infocus #60 December 2020 Microscopic Analysis of Historic Textile Fibres Pre- and Post-Cleaning

Bleaching is a last-resort method used by textile conservators to preserve historic textiles. The process removes stains but can give rise to structural damage on the fibre level.

DOI: 10.22443/rms.inf.1.194

The aim of this research project was to investigate the effects of two bleaching methods on cotton textiles, including a dress- shirt circa. 1900 using various light microscopy operating modes. Cotton samples were supplied that were previously bleached for 24 hours in hydrogen peroxide (oxidative) and sodium borohydride (reductive). The textiles and threads were examined using a digital microscope. Individual fibres were examined with a compound microscope.

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