µ-XRF Studies on the Colour Brilliance in Ancient Wool Carpets

Figure 1

(a) Scanning electron micrograph of Anatolian sheep wool fibres recently dyed in a bath of madder roots and KAl(SO₄)₂. No fermentation process; the cuticle scales are closely attached to the fibre. (b) 20 days of fermentation with G. candidum prior to dyeing; abduction of cuticle scales from the fibre. (c) Carpet fibre from 18th century; cuticle scales mainly lost due to mechanic abrasion. (d) TEM micrograph of the cross-section of a sheep wool fibre depicting cuticle layers and cortex. The visualization of ortho- and paracortex is enhanced by contrast agents (lead citrate and uranyl acetate). OsO₄ was applied for fixation.

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