Análisis de materiales para ser usados en conservación de textiles

This paper describes the research work carried out in the scientific laboratory of the Textile Department of the National Historic Museum, with the purpose of evaluating the quality of various materials available in the country and frequently used for storing, displaying and conserving textiles.
The materials were chosen and classified according to their chemical, physical and typological structure. They were organized in seven groups: polymers, fabrics, papers and cardboards, woods, adhesive tapes, adhesives and varnishes, including several alternatives available in the local marketplace.
The assays were then selected according to the analytical methodology used for identification of harmful substances, which, by being present in and/or in contact with textiles, produce deterioration. These assays allowed to specify the materials with the appropiate quality to be used in textile conservation.
The final results were recorded in technical data sheets, which were delivered to local museums holding important textiles collections.