|
Abstract:
|
Skin cancer caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has increased rapidly in recent
years, largely caused by the depletion of the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere
and lifestyles which involve more time outdoors. Fortunately, apparel can be used
effectively to prohibit UVR from contacting the human skin.
This study investigated several factors that influence the ability of a textile
material to protect the wearer from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Specifically, the
effects of two UV absorbers and their concentrations, fabric construction, dye type,
shade depth, and laundering on the UVR protecting ability of 100% cotton apparel
were evaluated. Also, the influence of type and concentration of UV absorber on
fabric color was evaluated.
Results of this investigation indicate that the cellulose-reactive UV absorbers
generally improved the ultraviolet protection offered by the bleached and lightly dyed
100% cotton apparel fabrics. However, additional factors in the pad-thermofix
finishing process used in the research served to counter these improvements.
Additionally, the Solartex 4589 UV absorber from Ciba Specialty Chemicals
Corporation was identified as generally providing more protection than Clariant
Corporation's Rayosan CO for bleached and lightly dyed fabrics. The ability of the
Solartex product to absorb radiation throughout the ultraviolet region and into the
visible spectrum produced markedly visible shade differences in especially the bleached fabrics. The concentration of UV absorber did not generally demonstrate a
significant effect on the ultraviolet protection offered by the fabrics.
Also, the results of this study typically showed no significant difference in the
ultraviolet protection provided by the C.1. Reactive Blue 220 and C.1. Reactive Red
239 dyes. However, dye depth was generally shown to significantly affect ultraviolet
protection, with greater depth providing increased protection. Fabrics treated with
3.0% dye provided sufficient UV protection to override any improvements obtained
by applying the UV absorbers.
In the greige state, the fleece knit construction provided greater ultraviolet
protection than did the single jersey fabric. In most cases, laundering significantly
improved the ultraviolet protection provided by the 100% cotton fabrics, to an order
resembling the improvement achieved by applying the UV absorbers to the fabrics.
With few exceptions, both UV absorbers were shown to produce a visible color
difference in the single jersey fabrics to which they were applied at both 1 % and 2 %
concentrations based on the dry fabric weight.
|