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All historical textile materials, due to their chemical composition (cellulose, protein), under conditions of high humidity are potentially exposed to microbial degradation. Numerous examples of microbial deterioration of archaeological textile materials demonstrate the need for the use of modern analytical methods for examination of diversity of organisms inhabiting them, as well as an analysis of their behavior. It is recommended that objects with a high degree of microbiological contamination are disinfected before being incorporated to a collection. Today, due to the progress in research on the effects of disinfection on historical material, risks to health and the environment, new methods of disinfection are still being developed. The presented literature review describes the testing methods of microbial deterioration of historical textile materials, including the latest methods for assessing biodiversity (called Next Generation Sequencing) and properties of historical textiles (chemical, microscopic, mechanical). It is particularly suitable for conservators and scientists who are interested in biodeterioration, disinfection technology, and maintenance problems of this type. Characteristics of test methods and disinfection include their application to historical objects, description, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as directions for future studies that aim to even better protect cultural heritage using the latest scientific and technical innovations.

The difference between natural and regenerated cellulose fibers caused by variations in the degree of polymerization and supramolecular structure, influences dyes adsorption properties. The aim of the study was to discriminate between cotton and viscose fibers, dyed with several dye classes, using Raman spectroscopy. 8 reactive and 6 direct dyes were used for colouring textiles under laboratory conditions. Spectra of fibers were obtained with the use of three excitation sources: 514, 633, and 785 nm. The obtained results allowed for the differentiation of studied types of cellulose fibers, dyed with the same dye, at the same or very similar concentrations.

Studies presented in this paper concern wide issue of thermal comfort of protective clothing. The Computer Aided Design (CAD) software tools to analyze thermal insulation of multilayer textile assembly used in thermal protective clothing were applied. First, 3D geometry and morphology of a real textile assembly was modeled. In the designed model different scales of resolution were used for individual layers, ranging from a homogenized nonwoven fabrics model to mapping the geometry of yarns in woven fabrics model. Next, the finite volume method to estimate thermal insulation properties of this assembly, when exposed to heat radiation, was used. Finally, the simulation results were verified experimentally using method described in EN ISO 6942. On the basis of both simulation and experimental results obtained for the multilayer textile assembly, protective clothing parameters directly affecting the ability to protect against heat, were determined. Correlating simulated and experimental values of these parameters were obtained, which may indicate that applied software can be an effective tool in analyzing thermal properties of newly designed multilayer functional clothing.

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The effect of gamma radiation on the mechanical properties and surface structure of woven fabrics made of cotton, flax, and silk fibers was investigated. It was found that small radiation doses (up to 15 kGy), sufficient for effective disinfection of textiles, caused only insignificant changes in the fiber parameters tested. However, it was found that doses increased to 100 kGy bring about a considerable weakening of the tested fabrics——their tensile strength decreases by 26–33%. Microbiological examination has shown that preradiation of cotton and linen fabric samples with a dose of 100 kGy does not affect the susceptibility of these fabrics to fungal biodegradation. A silk fabric irradiated under the same conditions shows clear susceptibility to bacterial biodegradation.

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The purpose of this research was to investigate whether silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) misting could be an effective disinfection and protection method for cotton fabric. The study showed that the disinfection resulted in the reduction of microorganism number by 32-100%, depending on the strain. Fabric humidity of not less than 84% ensures high effectiveness of the process. It was proved that vegetative cells are more susceptible to nanoparticles than spores. The antimicrobial protection of cotton fabric results in the 33-93% reduction of microorganism number. The application of AgNPs does not influence significantly the optical and mechanical parameters of cotton fabric, even after accelerated light ageing. The AgNPs misting is safe for personnel. The AgNPs misting can be considered as an alternative for currently used disinfection methods of ancient textiles.