The usage of AgNPs/Klucel G Nanocomposites And Some Conventional Materials in The Conservation of Archaeological Linen Textile Remains

Treatment and conservation operations are considered the most important processes for preserving cultural heritage collections, in particular archaeological textiles. This research outlines the methods used for treating and preserving an ancient piece of linen textile recovered from the Qusayr excavations in the Red Sea. The piece was cleaned using the traditional detergent "Orvus WA Paste surfactant", and then, it was consolidated to prevent damage and combat the microbiological attack using silver nanoparticles loaded on hydroxypropyl cellulose polymer (AgNPs/Klucel G). Various methods were employed to diagnose the decay of the artifact. Scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray unit (SEM-EDX) was used to scrutinize the surface morphology and determine the elemental composition of the archaeological piece. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to ascertain the rate of cellulose crystallization of the piece. According to the results; it was deduced that, the artifact was found in an area near the sea, which was confirmed by the presence of sodium chloride salt residues on its surface. The microbiological study demonstrated that AgNPs/Klucel G was effective in inhibiting fungal strains that were isolated from the artifact.