Effect of light on the properties of silk fabrics coated with parylene-C

Abstract

Consolidation of highly degraded silk artifacts is difficult because there is no entirely satisfactory treatment. One option recently introduced to the field of conservation is parylene-C, a polymer whose unique gas-phase deposition method allows extremely thin (below l,um), highly conformal coatings to be applied. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the long-term effect of light on silk fabrics coated with parylene-C, including change of colour, stiffness, tensile properties and appearance in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of parylene-C depended upon fabric construction, colour and initial strength. A thin coating « l,um) made very fragile, naturally aged silk easier to handle although fabrics became somewhat stiffer; smooth, dark coloured silks became slightly irridescent. When fabrics coated with parylene-C were exposed to simulated daylight, the coating continued to consolidate fragile silks but did not reduce degradation if UV light was present. Because coating with parylene is an irreversible process, the decision to treat a fragile textile must be carefully made; however, for highly degraded silks, this treatment may be appropriate if an alternative method is not available.

Evaluation of Insulation against Contact Heat, Radiant Heat and Sensory Comfort of Basalt Fabric-Based Composites with Parylene C Coating

“…The thermal conductivity of parylene coating is dependent on the coating thickness, as was shown for Parylene C [39]. Parylene C is also used as a coating of silk fabric to protect it against exposure to daylight and ultraviolet light, which cause the aging of the material [40]. Parylene coating makes silk fabrics somewhat stiffer and smoother.…”

The effect of parylene coating for restoration of gold foil on Dazu Grottoes

“…Three readings were taken on each sample before and after coating (Halvorson and Kerr, 1994;Grattan et al, 1996).…”

“…Color measurement was performed with the colorimeter CM-2600d/2500d from Konica Minolta following the AATCC test method. Three readings were taken on each sample before and after coating (Halvorson and Kerr, 1994;Grattan et al, 1996).…”

Transglutaminase-mediated restoration of historic silk and its ageing resistance

“…Among these, synthetic polymers have been widely used as consolidating agents [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] and adhesives [16][17][18][19] because of their good mechanical and bonding properties. However, there are some potential problems in the application of synthetic polymers in the conservation and restoration of historic silk.…”