Abstract: Mineralization is a process of transformation from organic to inorganic states. Mineralization of textiles refers to the phenomenon where organic fibers are replaced by inorganic substances. This process is a comprehensive result of the dissolution of inorganic substances, migration of inorganic ions with water molecules, and interactions between inorganic ions and organic molecules. Investigating the mineralization of textiles contributes to understanding the lifestyle, production technologies, and social structures of ancient societies. It helps archaeological conservators in devising more effective methods and strategies for artifact preservation and allows researchers to further discuss  the interactions between fiber structures and mineral combination.
The scholarly study of archaeomineralized textiles can be traced back to the 18th century. Despite the long history, critical research findings remain scarce, primarily due to the limited availability of samples for study. To address this problem, simulated mineralization experiments were conducted in this paper. Silk fabrics from the Republican era were wrapped around rusted iron pieces and placed in a constant temperature and humidity chamber for mineralization. Samples were retrieved after five and six months and subjected to electron microscope observation, tensile strength testing, infrared spectroscopy analysis, Raman spectrum testing, X-ray diffraction analysis, and stable carbon isotope testing. By comparing these simulated mineralized textiles with Han Dynasty mineralized textiles unearthed in Shanxi province, this paper explored differences between simulated and archaeological mineralized textiles and investigated early phenomena and mechanisms of textile mineralization.
It was found that both raw and processed silk samples underwent self-mineralization and pre-mineralization after six months of mineralization. Mixed iron oxides such as goethite/magnetite/ lepidocrocite were contained in the samples, but organic components still constituted a significant proportion, indicating an early stage of mineralization. Iron mineralization served to protect the fibers, resulting in higher tensile strength compared to aged textiles. The stable carbon isotope ratios of mineralized textiles were lower than those of aged textiles. Simulated mineralized samples exhibited similarities to archaeological mineralized samples, demonstrating phenomena of self-mineralization and pre-mineralization. Protective layers formed by both mineralization methods in burial environments could inhibit microbial degradation and enhance fiber durability, thereby preserving organic components in the fibers.
Due to the short mineralization period, this study only addresses the early stages of textile mineralization. Significant organic components remained within the samples, and the uneven mineralization led to some degree of randomness in the experimental results. Nonetheless, these findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of textile iron mineralization and offer insights into the protection and early stages of textile mineralization.

Key words: archaeological textiles, mineralization, simulated mineralization, stable isotope technique

摘要： 矿化是考古纺织品得以保存的重要原因之一，研究纺织品文物矿化机制具有重要的学术和文化价值。但是文物的独特性和样品数量的有限性阻碍了纺织品矿化研究的进展，这使得人工模拟纺织品矿化具有重要意义。文章选取了民国时期的生绢和熟绢作为研究对象，将这些织物缠绕在锈化铁片上，置于高湿度环境中，使用0.01 mol/L 氯化氢溶液作为促进剂进行矿化实验。使用扫描电子显微镜、万能力学试验机、拉曼光谱仪、X射线衍射仪、傅里叶变换红外光谱仪和稳定同位素质谱仪对矿化前后的样品进行表征分析。结果表明：经铁矿化6个月后，样品中颜色较深的区域中出现针铁矿/磁铁矿等铁的混合氧化物，样品的碳稳定同位素比值也发生改变，表明样品中的部分有机物被混合氧化物取代发生自身矿化，同时样品表面被氧化物覆盖发生预矿化。文章分析了矿化过程中铁元素对纺织品的影响，研究结果有助于加深人们对纺织品早期矿化作用机制的理解。

关键词: 考古纺织品, 矿化, 模拟矿化, 稳定同位素技术