An initial investigation into the cleaning of new and naturally aged cotton textiles using laser radiation

A series of tests has been conducted to evaluate the potential for using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (wavelengths 1 064, 532 and 266 nm) to clean both new and naturally aged cotton textiles. Tests have been carried out on i) plain weave and velvet cotton and ii) new and naturally aged cotton samples to investigate the possible roles of weave structure and ageing in the cleaning process. Cleaning trials have been carried out on artificially soiled new cotton and compared with results obtained using traditional cleaning techniques: wet cleaning and organic solvent cleaning. Cleaned surfaces were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS