Ecological dyeing and UV-protective functionalization of cotton/lyocell blend fabrics designed for high comfort summer clothing

Abstract

Wearing clothes that absorb or block harmful UV radiation is one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer. In the current study, sustainable processes which will provide high clothing comfort and a sufficient level of UV protection for fabrics used in production of lightweight sun-protective summer clothing were proposed. In accordance with the scope of the study, structural properties, low-stress mechanical properties, surface characteristics, permeability, and UV-protection properties of three woven fabrics produced with different weft settings and lyocell ratios were determined. The fabric type which had the most desirable results was selected for dyeing experiments. Avocado (Persea americana) seed was used as an eco-friendly source for dyeing and UV-protective functionalization of cotton/lyocell blend fabric. To obtain different hues, the fabrics were mordanted according to two different recipes using magnesium sulphate and ferrous sulphate and dyed with the natural colorant extracted from avocado seeds. Comfort, color, fastness, and UV-protective properties of dyed samples were evaluated by laboratory tests. Results indicated that it is possible to achieve an excellent level of UV protection (UPF 50+) by dyeing cotton/lyocell blend fabrics with avocado seed extract and produce summer clothing with improved comfort and UV-protective properties, without using any toxic materials.