Dry Rot Of Cellulosic Fiber

Cellulosic Fiber

Cotton, Jute and Flax (linen) are examples of cellulosic fibers. Old textiles and furnishings are prepared from cellulosic fibers. These goods degrade over a vast span of time. The deterioration is a very slow and lengthy process that weakens the fibers. The final damage is in the form of rips, tears or slits. The time required for dry rot to make itself evident may be some years or even decades.

Progress of deterioration

Dry rot is the damage that occurs in the absence of moisture. However, it may happen that initially there were conditions of wetness. In the areas of moisture fungus growth may have taken place. Further, the location may have dried out. Due to the dryness, the fibers are weakened. Now, in the dry conditions they can be easily broken. A common example is the part of the carpet or rug placed under plant pots. There are certain residues of animal pet stains in the base of a rug or carpet. The salts are hygroscopic and attract moisture. Hence, they keep the area damp for a long period of time. Due to this condition, there is a process of fungus growth and the condition of the fibers, yarns and rug fabric worsens.

Results of dry rot

They may smell in hot weather. The most frequent type of harm due to dry rot in cellulosic fibers takes place in the foundation or unitary backing of rugs and woven carpets. Even if the face yarns or rug pile is of wool or some other fiber, the foundation fibers or backing have the maximum possibility of getting damaged. When the damage process begins and progresses, there are no outward signs of the dry rot. Only when some gross damage is completed and there is some usual movement or handling of the textile, this latent situation comes into limelight. Finally, the affected cellulosic fibers become stiff, brittle and less supple. When this fiber is rolled or bent between the hands, there is a distinct “snapping” or “crackling” noise. Oriental rugs, that are tightly knotted, very dense and of a very fine quality, are vulnerable to such deterioration. As the condition of dry rot is enhanced, only lifting or moving the rug for the purpose of cleaning or restoring may cause slits, rips and tears.

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