The use of nonwoven support materials for the conservation of three-dimensional painted silk

Chen, C. and Thompson, K. (2020) The use of nonwoven support materials for the conservation of three-dimensional painted silk. Postprints of the Textile Specialty Group, 30, pp. 77-96.

Abstract

This article presents research on the effectiveness of nonwoven support treatment for stabilizing splits on silk, with a specific focus on its possible use on three-dimensional painted silk. A literature review established that Tengujō, a Japanese paper made from the kōzo plant, was the most commonly used nonwoven support material in paper and textile conservation. Available paper conservation literature has also indicated that cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are a promising cellulose-based nonwoven support. The effectiveness of Tengujō and CNF supports, coated with adhesive and applied to silk using a nonaqueous method, was evaluated for strength, removability, and flexibility. The strength of the samples was determined through tensile and comparative shear tests. Results were interpreted using stress-strain graphs and visual analysis of the tested samples. Removability of the material was assessed by characterizing the adhesive residues left on the supported silk substrate using optical microscopy. Sensory evaluation was used to establish the flexibility of the material by assessing the physical attributes of supported samples. The results showed that while Tengujō and CNF are both effective supports, the characteristics of each make them suitable for different applications.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Paper presented at the Textile Subgroup Session of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works 48th Virtual Annual Meeting May 21-September 2, 2020.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thompson, Mrs Karen
• Authors: Chen, C., and Thompson, K.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• Journal Name: Postprints of the Textile Specialty Group
• Publisher: American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
• ISSN: 2169-1363
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
• First Published: First published in Postprints of the Textile Specialty Group 30:77-96
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the publisher

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