Coptic textile fragments from the Coptic museum were examined by stereo and scanning electron microscopes to characterize the fibers & weaving types, and diagnosis their deterioration phenomena. Fourier transform infrared FTIR microanalysis was carried out to identify the red and dark green dyes used anciently in dying the archaeological textile fibers. Atomic absorption, chemical and x-ray diffraction analyses were justified to determine the ancient technology used. The microscopic examination showed serious deterioration phenomena correspond the followings: rupture and cleavage of the fibers, dryness & brittleness, disintegration and separation of fiber parts, erosion in fiber walls, complete weakness, precipitation of dust & colloids between fibers, and fungi growth. It was declared that the selected Coptic textiles consist of linen, wool and cotton fibers. The weaving type was found to be plain 1/1. The warp and weft files of each textile were counted. The warp files range from 5 to 14 files/cm, whereas the weft files range from 12 to 24 files/cm. The data of Fourier transform infrared microanalysis declared that the archaeological red dye constitutes of madder dye, and the dark green one consists of indigo and safflower dyes. The obtained data were compared with new standard red dyes (henna, madder, and cochineal), indigo blue dye, and yellow (safflower & turmeric dyes). Atomic absorption, and chemical analyses showed the presence of the following elements: potassium, sodium, aluminum, iron, and sulfur. X-ray diffraction results proved the existence of alum. This means that the ancient manufacturer used mordants in the dying processes by indirect dyes.
展开▼
