ABSTRACT
Introduction 558
Fiber Distribution 558
Fiber Composition 559
Fiber Class Differences 559
Differences Within Natural Fiber Class 560
Differences Within Manufactured Fiber Class 561
Fabric Thickness 562
Dye Composition and Concentration 562
Comparison of Dyed Fabrics 562
Comparison of Dyes in Solution 564
UV-Absorbent Compounds 564
Optical Whitening (Brightening) Agents 564
Mill Applied 565
Detergent Ingredient Applied 565
Rinse-Cycle Fabric Softener Ingredient Applied 566
UV-Cutting Agents 566
Mill Applied 567
Detergent Ingredient Applied 568
Rinse-Cycle Fabric Softener Product Applied 569
Rinse Water Applied 570
Conclusion 570
References 571
INTRODUCTION
Engineering fabrics to increase their capability to filter solar radiation, especially
the UV portion, has been of interest for a number of years (1-18). The intent is to
label such fabrics and items made from them as solar (sun or UV) protective
clothing. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard
guide D6603 (19) defines UV-protective textile as “any textile whose manufac-
turer and/or seller claims that it protects consumers from ultraviolet (UV) light, claims the reduction of risk of skin injury associated with UV exposure, and/or uses a rating system that quantifies the amount of UV protection afforded”. The
purpose of this chapter is to describe the ways in which fabric can be enhanced to
improve its UV-filtering capability.
