• ageing
• analytical pyrolysis
• evolved gas analysis
• nirs
• textile fibers

In the present study, we evaluated the potentialities of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Pyrolysis coupled with Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and Evolved Gas Analysis coupled with Mass Spectrometry (EGA-MS) for the characterization of textile fibers. We developed a detailed pyrolysis database for the most common natural and man-made textile fibers, evidencing possible pyrolysis markers and including different varieties of fibers for comparison. In addition, some textile blends of known composition were analyzed in order to prove the effectiveness of the found pyrolysis markers in complex samples.
The set of pure reference materials was artificially aged and investigated in order to evidence possible changes in their behavior. The information obtained was used for the study of textile samples of uncertain composition and samples collected from historical fabrics and stage costumes.