Comparative Study of FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) Efficiency for Application in Identification of Kermes Dye on Historical Fibers

The aim of this research was study and comparison of FT-IR and TLC results for characterization of kermes dyes in archaeological and historical fibers and assessment of their advantages and disadvantages. Samples were prepared from silk and wool fibers. The samples were artificially aged according to Feller (1994). After aging, color change and pH were measured. Fourie Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR) was applied for assessment and comparison of aged and unaged samples. Moreover, Thin Layer Chromatography was used before and after aging by choosing appropriate solvent. Results showed after aging, pH content of dyed silk with kermes was increased and Rf in TLC indicated minor change. The ATR-FTIR spectometer results showed that there are no differences between raw and dyed fibers, therefore, the color should be extracted in order to specify the sepctrum of color ingredients. After extarcting the samples, they do not differ much with the aged ones.