High Protection Factor Research Articles

Edible squid ink proteoglycans as a multifunctional sustainable additive for silk coatings: Fire protection, UV shielding and as a colorant

Today, marine biomolecules have attracted great interest in the field of flame-retardant (FR) science due to their sustainability and charring properties. Squid ink is mixed bio-colloid rich in proteoglycans, melanin, and metal ions. Here, squid ink was applied to endow silk with outstanding FR performance and ultraviolet protection through surface coating. After coating with 40 g/L squid ink, silk displayed excellent ultraviolet shielding performance with a high UV protection factor (UPF) of 71.5, attributing to powerful ultraviolet absorption ability of melanin. Besides, the coated silk also exhibited outstanding FR performance, characterized by a shorter char length (7.1 cm) and a higher FR-Index (2.5). The heat release performance of the treated silk dramatically decreased, and the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and heat release capability (HRC) both decreased by 49.1 %. Moreover, a significant reduction in total smoke production (TSP ∼ 60 %) was also observed in cone calorimetry test. A reduction in these fire parameters indicated a great improvement in the fire safety of silk. Interestingly, due to the natural adhesiveness of the proteoglycan mixed colloid, the coated silk could withstand 10 washing cycles while maintaining FR properties. Subsequently, further analyses of the cone residues confirmed the formation of a compact and stable char layer. The squid ink coating exerted an intumescent FR action on silk.

Combination of bio-based tannic acid, sophora flower extract and metal salts: A facile route towards improving durable flame retardancy and UV resistance of silk fabrics

Environmental engineering placed green demands on the functional modification of textiles. Here, the combination of bio-based tannic acid, sophora flower extract and metal salts was used to manufacture silk fabrics with flame retardancy and UV resistance via a facile impregnation strategy. With different metal salts treated, the modified silk fabrics named silk/TA/SFE-TE, silk/TA/SFE-Fe and silk/TA/SFE-Cu achieved self-extinguishing in the vertical burning test, with limiting oxygen index values of 31.7 ± 0.4 %, 30.2 ± 0.2 % and 30.9 ± 0.3 %, respectively. In the cone calorimetry test, the peak heat release rate values of the three silk fabrics modified with metal salts were all significantly suppressed, and the total smoke production values of silk/TA/SFE-TE and silk/TA/SFE-Fe were reduced from the original 0.178 m2 to 0.126 m2 and 0.138 m2, respectively. Furthermore, silk/TA/SFE-TE, silk/TA/SFE-Fe and silk/TA/SFE-Cu displayed high ultraviolet protection factor values and thus had good UV resistance, owing to the presence of tannic acid and sophora flower extract. Most importantly, the flame retardancy and UV resistance of the three silk fabrics modified with metal salts were still superior to those of the original silk fabrics after 30 washing cycles. In short, this facile route for the preparation of functionalized silk fabrics provides a novel idea for the development of advanced textiles.

A green approach for the sustainable and effective valorization from Populus nigra buds as a renewable source of high value-added extract using an alternative solvent with prospective application in skin care formulation

Many studies have been conducted on the biological potential of medicinal plant extracts; the present study looked into the use of antioxidant extracts from P.nigra buds in cosmetic formulations to boost photoprotection potential, with a particular emphasis on green extraction and the biological activities of these compounds. Extraction of phenolic compounds using ultrasonically assisted lactic acid reported content of 42.64 ± 0.16 mg GAE/g dw with an antioxidant potential of 72.20 ± 1.05 mmol TE/100g dw and 72.73 ± 2.59 mg AAE/g dw for DPPH• and OH• scavenging activities, respectively. Furthermore, a significant iron chelation capacity of the extract was recorded (104.45 ± 1.66 mg EDTA E/g dw). In addition, a strong anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was demonstrated (IC50 : 0.122 and 0.1788%) for the inhibition of the mono-nitrogen oxide radical and cyclooxygenase respectively. The evaluation of the photoprotective effect expressed a high protection factor (34.81) and no irritant effects. Chemical analysis of the crude extracts was carried out by FTIR, LC-MS and GC-MS. The FTIR spectral study revealed the presence of different functional groups such as alcohols, ketones and amines, indicating the richness of the extract in various metabolites. GC-MS and LC-MS studies revealed the presence of 15 bioactive compounds, of which 9 phenolics and 6 organic acid components were identified for the first time in P.nigra buds. This approach using lactic acid as an ecological solvent and ultrasound as an alternative energy source represents a good choice for the design of an extraction system of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties. Further studies are needed to extend the screening approach anti-irritancy to develop antioxidant-enriched.

52 Use of Exposure Data to Evaluate the Impact of the Boelv on Industry Practices; case Study ASW/RCF.

Abstract This study assesses the impact of the 0.3f/ml BOELV for aluminosilicate wools/refractory ceramic fibres (ASW/RCF), as implemented in 2020, on exposure levels at industrial sites. Now in its 26th year, CARE/PSP is the European programme collecting representative data for occupational exposure to airborne fibrous dust. With the changing regulatory landscape, CARE participants conducted a review of the data, focusing on evidence of reduced exposure or changed industrial practices since 2017 when the BOELV was first introduced. The data was split pre- and post- 2017 and also compared to alkaline earth silicate wool (AES/LBP) which is not classified and thus not covered by the BOELV, to consider the impact on exposure. An independent third-party statistician extracted the relevant data for this study. There are significant differences in workplace exposure among functional job categories (FJCs), since the introduction of the BOELV there has been a reduction in exposure, greater use of alternative AES/LBP and move to increased use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) across all FJCs where ASW/RCF is being used. The data review for the period 2017-2021 has demonstrated an overall reduction in fibre exposure at both manufacturers and users’ facilities. The introduction of the BOELV for ASW/RCF has led to a greater awareness of the need to control fibrous dust. An increased uptake in the use of RPE and the use of RPE with higher protection factor is observed. There also appeared to be a move to alternative non-classified HTIW where appropriate.

Methodology to Reach Full Spectral Photo-Protection by Selecting the Best Combination of Physical Filters and Antioxidants

Antioxidants can reduce free radical formation in deeper skin layers where typical sunscreen filters may no longer be effective. Here, a general method is presented to pre-select optimum combinations of antioxidants and physical filters. The radical production of selected common physical filters after UV irradiation, the capacity of different antioxidants and the interaction between these compounds was investigated in solution by optical measurement of DPPH scavenging, allowing a theoretical calculation of the antioxidant amount necessary to scavenge UV-induced radicals. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity and the scattering properties were determined. All physical filters induced different amounts of radicals in suspensions depending on the coating. ZnO coated with polydimethylsiloxane and myristic acid (ZnOpolymyr) showed the lowest radical formation. Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) provided the highest antioxidant capacity. Different formulations with different ratios of selected physical filters and antioxidants were prepared. It turned out that the high radical protection factor (RPF) of cream formulations, which originally did not contain any physical filters, was reduced when such filters were added. The data demonstrates that the addition of physical filters to antioxidant-containing formulations lowers their reduction capacity, but to varying degrees. An optimal combination of physical filters and antioxidants must be pre-selected in order to incorporate them into a formulation and verify their effect on skin.

Musa Acuminata Leaves Extract Impedes Bacterial Growth and Ultraviolet Protection in Cotton Fabric

ABSTRACT In this study, the methanol extract of Musa acuminate leaves has a significant development on the quality of the protection features such as, antibacterial and ultraviolet protection, was observed. The fabric finished with a higher concentration of M. acuminata sap (7%) at the temperature rate of 40–50°C has higher zone of inhibition against gram-positive bacteria and improved ultraviolet protection factor than the controlled sample. The fabric finished with the lower concentration of M. acuminata sap (3% & 5%) has lesser zone of inhibition against gram-positive bacteria. The fabric finished with a 7% concentration of M. acuminata leaves methanol extract at 40–50°C shows high protection factor against antibacterial and ultraviolet protection. Hence, it is observed that the fabric finished with a higher concentration of M. acuminata sap exhibits a higher zone of inhibition against bacteria’s and ultraviolet protection factors when compared to the lower concentration of methanol extraction of M. acuminata leaves.

Development of photochromic poly(azobenzene)/PVDF fibers by wet spinning for intelligent textile engineering

Compared to azobenzene (AB) mono-molecule, the as-synthesized AB polymer showed better photochromic ability and chemical resistance. An intelligent fiber with photochromic properties can be successfully developed with the as-synthesized AB polymer and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) via a facile wet spinning process. The doping of AB polymer in intelligent fiber showed little effect on intrinsic properties of PVDF fiber but significantly altered the surface performances like aesthetics, UV sensing and shielding. The intelligent fiber could reversibly change the color from pale yellow to orange red under UV irradiation, conferring a potential to be used as a flexible UV indicator. As a functional embroidery thread on fabric, the photochromic PVDF fiber displayed stable photochromic responses, reversible optical contrast and good photo-coloration kinetics, greatly improving the appearance and functionality of the substrate fabric. Moreover, the fabric knitted with this photochromic fiber could offer UV shielding property verified with the high ultraviolet protection factor. Furthermore, the functional fiber had good resistance to different solvents, thus, it exhibited qualities to be used under harsher conditions. Compared with the extensive research of spiropyrans (SPs) and spirooxazines (SOs) in color-changing textile, this study would be a complementary research for the application of azobenzenes (ABs) in intelligent textiles.

The association of physical activity with loneliness, social isolation, and selected psychological protective factors among older adults

The primary objectives were to investigate the association of physical activity levels with 1) loneliness and social isolation; 2) protective factors: resilience, purpose-in-life, and perception of aging; and 3) the impact of these factors on healthcare expenditure patterns across physical activity levels. The study sample was identified from adults age ≥65 who completed a health survey in 2018 or 2019 (N=6,652). Among survey respondents, the prevalence of low, moderate, and high physical activity levels was 29%, 31%, and 41%, respectively. Moderate and high physical activity were associated with 15%-30% lower likelihoods of loneliness and social isolation; and with 27% to 150% higher protective factors. In addition, physical activity was associated with the mitigation of increased healthcare expenditures associated with loneliness, social isolation, and low levels of protective factors. Thus, physical activity could serve as an intervention to reduce loneliness and social isolation, augment protective factors, and mitigate excess healthcare expenditures.

GRAFTING OF BORON-NITROGEN-DOPED CARBON QUANTUM DOTS ON COTTON FABRIC FOR IMPARTING ANTI-ULTRAVIOLET PROPERTIES

"In order to improve the anti-ultraviolet property and laundering durability of cotton fabrics, the cotton fabrics were cationized with epoxy propyl trimethylammonium chloride, and then boron-nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (BN-CQDs) were grafted onto the cationized cotton fabrics by the chemical reaction between the quaternary ammonium cation on the cotton fabrics and the carboxyl functional group on the surface of BN-CQDs. The structure, the ultraviolet protection performance and washing durability of the cotton fabrics grafted with BN-CQDs were characterized and tested. The results showed that the resultant cotton fabrics modified with BN-CQDs exhibited a very high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Even after 20 consecutive washings, the UPF value was still as high as 75.3, suggesting the promising potential of the modified fabrics as UV protective materials and their excellent laundering durability."

UV protective fabric for face covering utility article using TiO2 nanoparticles

Climate change has drastically raised the requirements for sun protection in recent years. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are shown to be very resistant to ultraviolet light and have a high UV protection factor. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles were used in this work to improve the UV protection of cotton fabric. The application of TiO2 nanoparticles necessitates the employment of a cross-linking agent as well as a catalyst, both of which have negative effects, thus a design of experiment was used to improve the application process. To investigate the use of nano-TiO2 on cotton fabric, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used. Cotton fabric's UV-protection factor (UPF) and crease recovery characteristics were also assessed. The obtained findings demonstrate strong UV-ray blocking characteristics (UPF 30 + ) as well as good wrinkle recovery in cotton fabric to develop face-covering utility articles.

Aqueous and polyphenol-rich Larrea divaricata Cav. extracts as potential skin care agents

Skin cells are affected by UV-induced oxidative stress resulting in photoaging and diseases. The objective of this work was to assess the effect of an aqueous extract of Larrea divaricata(Aq) and a flavonoid rich fraction (EA), obtained by liquid/liquid fractionation, on the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts by the tritiated thymidine uptake assay and on cell viability by the trypan blue exclusion assay. The in vitro sun protection factor (SPF), peroxidase (Px)-like and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities were determined by kinetic spectrophotometric assays, and the phytochemical composition was determined by HPLC-UV and HPLC MS/MS.Aq and EA induced keratinocytes and fibroblast proliferation, protected fibroblasts from H2O2-induced apoptosis and exerted SOD-like and Px-like activities. Aq and EA had a high sun UVB protection factor. So, L. divaricatacould be used in a future for the development of new dermocosmetic or phytotherapy adjuvant in skin oxidative damage.

Functionalization of cotton fabric with ZnO nanoparticles and cellulose nanofibrils for ultraviolet protection

A simple impregnation method was employed to obtain functional cotton fabric based on a zinc oxide (ZnO) and cellulose nanocomposite. The cellulose nanofibril suspension was utilized to reduce the agglomeration of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and bind them to the surface of the fiber. Scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to confirm the presence of ZnO NPs on the surface of the fiber. The treated cotton fabrics exhibited high ultraviolet protection factor values, which were still higher than 50 even after 30 standard washing cycles. Furthermore, the treated samples showed a modest antibacterial effect due to the presence of ZnO NPs. Meanwhile, the treated cotton fabrics showed a decrease (less than 30%) in air permeability.

Noninvasive measurement of the 308 nm LED‐based UVB protection factor of sunscreens

The current method for determining the sun protection factor (SPF) requires erythema formation. Noninvasive alternatives have recently been suggested by several groups. Our group previously developed a functional sensor based on diffuse reflectance measurements with one UVB LED, which was previously evaluated on pig ear skin. Here we present the results of a systematic in vivo study using 12 sunscreens on 10 volunteers (skin types [ST] I-III). The relationship of the UVB-LED reflectance of unprotected skin and melanin index was determined for each ST. The spatial variation of the reflectance signal of different positions was analyzed and seems to be mainly influenced by sample inhomogeneity except for high-protection factors (PFs) where signal levels are close to detection noise. Despite the low-signal levels, a correlation of the measured LED-based UVB PF with SPF reference values from test institutes with R2 = 0.57 is obtained, suggesting a strong relationship of SPF and LED-based UVB-PF. Measured PFs tend to be lower for increasing skin pigmentation. The sensor design seems to be suitable for investigations where a fast measurement of relative changes of PFs, such as due to inhomogeneous application, bathing and sweating, is of interest.

A molecularly engineered bioderived polyphosphate for enhanced flame retardant, UV-blocking and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)

Polylactic acid (PLA) represents one of most promising bioplastics in response to the increasing global microplastics pollution issue facing the entire ecosystem. Nevertheless, PLA is inherently flammable and also prone to UV-light attack, significantly restricting its wide applications in packaging, fibers and electronics industry. Despite high effectiveness in PLA, existing polyphosphate-based flame retardants are usually synthesized mainly from non-degradable petrochemical compounds and their functions are limited to improving flame retardancy of the polymeric matrix. We, herein, report the synthesis of a novel multifunctional bioderived polyphosphate (PPD) for PLA by using plant-derived diphenolic acid as a starting material. Our results reveal that the addition of 6 wt% of PPD enables PLA to achieve a desirable UL-94V-0 rating and a high LOI value of 27.1% due to its high gas-phase activity, which means that the final PLA fully meets the demanding flame retardancy requirement in industry. Moreover, the resultant flame-retardant PLA shows a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value of 403, which indicates its excellent UV protection capability. Because of the fine and uniform dispersion of PPD within the resin matrix and their strong interfacial interactions, the PLA/6% PPD shows a 31% increase in impact toughness and a slight improvement in tensile strength compared to the bulk PLA. This work provides a strategy to synthesize a multifunctional bio-based polyphosphate flame retardant, which holds great promise for extending the practical applications of PLA with excellent flame retardancy, UV-blocking and mechanical performances.

Intumescent flame‐retardant and ultraviolet‐blocking coating screen‐printed on cotton fabric

Herein, we report an interlayer-confined strategy to intercalating two-dimensional zirconium phosphate (ZrP) within reduced graphene oxide (RGO) interlayers, generating the hierarchical ZrP–RGO hybrids. The hybrids were then blended with ammonium polyphosphate to fabricate an intumescent flame-retardant coating on cotton fabric through an automatic screen printing. The resulting cotton fabric shows an excellent self-extinguishing performance when subjected to a butane flame. During combustion, its peak heat release rate and total heat release are significantly decreased by 92.1% and 61.8% in contrast with control cotton fabric, and a flame-retardant mechanism is reasonably proposed by the condensed and gaseous analysis. Furthermore, the flame-retardant cotton fabric exhibits an excellent ultraviolet-blocking performance with the high ultraviolet protection factor of 201.51. Even after 300 cycles of abrasion, the coated cotton fabric retains the superior flame-retardant and ultraviolet-blocking properties. This work provides a simple and feasible strategy to prepare the multifunctional fabrics.

Simulation of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol Emissions in the Infected Population and Resulting Airborne Exposures in Different Indoor Scenarios

Some of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can become airborne. Estimates suggest that the exhaled viral emissions from an infected person with high viral load can result in critical airborne concentrations in poorly ventilated small rooms. This project aimed to develop an indoor scenario simulator to rapidly assess the potential exposure in different indoor situations. It uses the estimates of a Monte Carlo simulation for the viral emission strength of breathing, speaking softly and loudly. The resulting emitter strength feeds a near-field far-field well-mixed room model. The indoor scenario simulator allows testing different room and ventilation sizes, wearing different masks, and different levels of physical activity and speech types for different percentiles of emitter strength in the population. The scenario tests suggest that in typical situations such as moderately ventilated offices, small shops, trains, buses, or carpool, very high emitters (99th percentile and above) not wearing masks are likely to cause concentrations with an elevated risk of infection via aerosols, especially in the near-field of the infected person. Speaking loudly and high levels of physical activity further increase the concentrations. If all persons wore surgical (hygiene) masks or filtering respirators with a higher protection factor, the expected concentrations were low in most situations, even if the viruses were released by "super-emitters" (top 1 permille emitter). This indoor scenario simulator may be helpful for decision makers as well as workplace and facility experts to assess and improve existing protection concepts, and to guide indoor exposure assessment campaigns.

Rapid synthesis of strawberry microcapsules via Pickering emulsion photopolymerization for use in multifunctional fabric coatings

Multifunctional microcapsules with osmanthus fragrance oil (OFO) as core materials and hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA)/modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) as shell materials were prepared via Pickering emulsion photopolymerization. The microcapsules are strawberry and core-shell structure and then blended with waterborne silicone resin to form multifunctional fabric coatings. The preparation process is rapid and environmentally friendly. The coated fabric can keep fragrance releasing for 85 days at room temperature condition, which showed slow releasing performance of fragrance. Meanwhile, due to perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane and ultraviolet absorbers Tinuvin 1130 grafting on the TiO2 nanoparticles in the shell of microcapsules, the coated fabric not only exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity with high water contact angle (WCA) (158.6°) and low sliding angle (SA) (9.0°), but also possesses Ultraviolet (UV) protection property with high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value (210.5).

Porous Membranes with Special Wettabilities: Designed Fabrication and Emerging Application

Porous materials have become a burgeoning research interest in materials science because of their intrinsic porous characteristics, versatile chemical compositions, and abundant functionalities. Re...

Safe, mild ultraviolet-B exposure: An essential human requirement for vitamin D and other vital bodily parameter adequacy: A review.

The enigma of skin sunburning, skin ageing and skin cancer and essential vitamin D production both resulting from solar ultraviolet‐B (280‐315 nm) (UVB) exposure has long puzzled photobiologists. Advice to patients by non‐photobiological clinicians is now often to sunbathe to acquire vitamin D adequacy. However, modern work shows only mild UVB exposure is needed to maintain satisfactory levels, which have been demonstrated as very similar in summer and winter from about 25° to 70° north. Even very careful high protection factor 15 sunscreen use does not prevent adequate production, although it is slightly reduced, such that obsessive use of very protective screens of 50 + might. Dark skin pigmentation too usually at most minimally impairs production. However, confinement indoors and widespread clothing cover can, but oral supplementation overcomes any such deficiency. Thus, vitamin D adequacy needs just mild regular UVB skin exposure well under sunburning levels, unlikely to cause significant skin damage. This suggests mild UVB exposure may also be needed for other bodily requirements, which is indeed so. Thus, it also prevents the development of contact dermatitis and polymorphic light eruption through suppressing adaptive immunity. It also prevents the occurrence of multiple skin infections resulting from this suppression through stimulating innate immunity and cutaneous bacterial defensin production. Finally, blood pressure is reduced through low‐dose UVB‐induced production of the vasodilator nitric oxide (though UVA, 315‐400 nm, is more efficient). Thus, mild UVB exposure is important for several aspects of internal health, whereas high‐dose exposure is extremely detrimental to cutaneous health.

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic and UV-Resistant Silk Fabrics with Laundering Durability and Chemical Stabilities

To obtain a superhydrophobic surface, SiO2 nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of silk fabric (SF) by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) to form a hierarchical roughness structure. In addition, a durable superhydrophobic SiO2@silk fabric was further prepared by hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) modification. Compared with bare silk, the surfaces of the SiO2@silk fabric exhibit higher surface roughness and excellent superhydrophobic activity, with a contact angle (CA) of ~152°. The excellent UV resistance of SiO2@silk fabric was confirmed with high UV protection factor (UPF) values and a low UV transmittance. Moreover, both the laundering durability and chemical stability of the SiO2@silk fabric were improved. Overall, this method is recognized as a promising approach to produce high-end fabric development. It can also guide the design of multifunctional fiber materials in the future.