Ultraviolet Protection Factor Value Research Articles

Improvement of fire safety for viscose fabrics based on phytic acid modified tea polyphenols complexed iron ions

In this work, a multifunctional finishing agent named as PATFe was prepared from phytic acid (PA), tea polyphenols (TP), and Fe3+. The optimum weight ratio of PA to TP was determined by exploring the effect on flame retardant and tensile properties of viscose fabrics. Then, the effects of different concentrations of iron ions on the flame retardant and tensile properties of viscose fabrics were further investigated, and finally, multifunctional viscose fabrics, PATFe-9, were prepared. The system was investigated to confer the multifunctional effects on the flame retardant, bacteriostatic, and UV-resistant properties of viscose fabrics under the condition of lower weight gains (about 6.0 wt%). The limiting oxygen index of PATFe-9 reached 33.7 % with a weight gain of 6.1 wt%, and PATFe-9 had an inhibition effect against Staphylococcus aureus, and the ultraviolet protection factor value reached 67. It is worth noting that the breaking force retention rate of this system reached 100 %, which greatly improves the scope of use and added value of viscose fabrics.

Phosphonitrile hybrid metal-polyphenol network: An effective strategy for developing functional PVA composites with flame retardancy, antibacterial and UV resistance

The white pollution caused by non-degradable plastics poses a serious threat to human society and the environment, thus developing biodegradable material is urgent. In this work, a novel phosphonitrile hybrid metal-polyphenol network was constructed and used for the preparation of flame retardant, UV resistant and antibacterial multifunctional polyvinyl alcohol composite (PVA@HCPD-Ag). The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of PVA@HCPD-Ag was improved to 33.5%, while the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) decreased by 35.62% and 47.76%. Besides, the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value of PVA@HCPD-Ag was significantly improved from 4.63 of the original PVA to 482.79, while the tensile strength was increased by 10.23%. Furthermore, the inhibition efficacy of PVA@HCPD-Ag for E. coli and S. aureus was up to 98.12% and 99.99%. This work explored the synergistic flame retardant effect of in-situ reduced Ag0 and phosphonitrile crosslinked polyphenol network and proposed an advanced strategy for developing high value-added functionalized PVA materials.

A macromolecular flame retardant for polyamide 6 and its filaments with enhanced fire safety, tensile and UV-blocking performance

In the pursuit of enhancing the fire safety of polyamide 6 (PA6), the addition of flame retardants generally leads to hydrogen bond dissociation, which results in detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of PA6 composites and impedes processing and application in the textile field. In this study, a macromolecular flame retardant, PPB, designed with hydrogen bond donor-acceptor spacing aligned with PA6, was synthesized to increase the number of hydrogen bonds. The addition of 10 wt% PPB to the PA6 matrix (PA6/PPB10) endowed the composite with the limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased to 31.6 % and V-0 rating in the vertical burning (UL-94) test. PA6/PPB10 also exhibited significant enhancement in tensile strength by 12.6 % compared to pure PA6 and demonstrated a superior ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value of 573, greatly exceeding the value of 3 for PA6. The quenching effect, diluting effect in the gas phase, and hydrogen bond interactions between PPB and PA6 backbones imparted PA6/PPB composites with satisfactory flame retardancy and mechanical properties. As a representative example, PA6/PPB10 was melt-spun into filaments with a pleasing tenacity of 3.6 cN/dtex and self-extinguishing capability within 5 s after ignition, confirming the sustained comprehensive properties after spinning and drawing into filaments.

Diversifying color palette of Prangos ferulacea colorants on wool yarns: dual mordant approach for enhanced color, antioxidant, and UV protection properties

Natural dyes have gained significant attention in recent years due to their environmentally friendly characteristics. This research paper focuses on the dyeing of wool yarns with P. ferulacea aerial part extract in conjunction with biomordants and metal mordants. The study focused on optimizing dyeing variables including pH of 2–8, temperature of 65 °C–95 °C, dye concentration of 25%–125% o.w.f., and dyeing time of 15–120 min using a one-factor-at-a-time (OFT) optimization by determining the color depth (K/S) values on wool yarns. The optimized dyeing conditions were a pH of 4, a temperature of 95 °C, a dye concentration of 75.0% (o.w.f.), and dyeing time of 60 min. The color hues, brightness, color intensity, and fastness of the samples varied significantly depending on the kind and nature of the biomordant used. Furthermore, the introduction of metal ions as pretreatment to biomordanted wool yarns exhibited unique characteristics such as the creation of new color shades, the combined enhancement of dye absorption (K/S), and increased color fastness with the most colorfast hues produced by Cr, Cu, and Fe-biomordant combinations. The antioxidant potential of biomordanted wool yarns was evaluated in terms of the inhibition of peroxidation by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity and compared to the un-dyed wool yarns. The two-step mordanting process enhanced the antioxidant activity of dyed wool yarn (up to 99.90%) compared to the unmordanted sample (58.30%) and the negative control sample (5.70%). The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values were found in a very good to excellent range, with a rating >40 and maximum protection (UPF = 59.80) provided by Fe-YM mordanting. The findings indicate that this efficient technique enabled us to broaden the spectrum of colors generated by the extract of P. ferulacea aerial parts on wool, while simultaneously guaranteeing outstanding antioxidant and UV protection characteristics.

Facile fabrication of multifunctional aramid fibers for excellent UV resistance in extreme environments

Aramid fibers (AFs) are widely applied as structural material, cordage, and versatile protection in many harsh environments, including space and deep sea. However, intense ultraviolet (UV)/ irradiation, high/low temperatures, and/or chemical solvent with strong acid/alkali/corrosion feature seriously affect their mechanical properties, thus severely shorten the life cycle of AF-based products. Inspiration by the principle of multiple refractions and partly reflections, an innovative strategy by depositing of laminated Al2O3/TiO2 composite onto the surface of poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) via atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique was presented. The tenacity of ALD-coated PMIA only decreases by ∼ 8 %, and the yellowness index (YI) only increasing to 129.24 %, far lower than 321.63 % of pristine PMIA fabric under the combination of intense UV irradiation (4260 W/m2) and high temperature (200 °C + ) for 6 h, which equals to continuous strong sunlight exposure for approximately 7.5 years. Meanwhile, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value increased to 126.4, which is double that of the pristine PMIA fabric, exhibiting an impressive UV-resistance property. Furthermore, the ALD-coated PMIAs also shows a significant enhancement in both chemical and thermal stabilities. In all, this work not only forge a new route for the functionalization of fibrous materials, but also exhibits great promise for next generation advanced composite material and cutting-edge equipment in harsh environment.

Effect of polycarbodiimide, epoxy chain extenders and tannic acid on the hydrolysis and UV resistance of polylactic acid

Polylactic acid (PLA) possesses characteristics such as biodegradability, ease of processing, and environmental friendliness, making it an ideal alternative to petroleum-based polymers. However, PLA has drawbacks such as susceptibility to hydrolysis and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light, limiting its application in certain areas. In this study, poly(carbazole diimide) (PCDI) and the epoxy chain extender Joncryl ADR4468 (CE) were employed as a synergistic anti-hydrolysis agent for PLA, and tannic acid (TA) was used as a UV-resistant agent. A melt-blending process was employed to prepare PLA composite materials with enhanced resistance to both hydrolysis and UV radiation. The results indicate that the addition of PCDI-TA-CE significantly improved the performance of PLA. After 8 h of hydrolysis at 80 °C, the tensile strength of PLA increased from 38.31 MPa for pure PLA to 77.69 MPa with the incorporation of PCDI-TA-CE. The elongation at break increased from 0.6% to 1.5%, and the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) value elevated from 3.19 for pure PLA to 503.46.This demonstrates that PCDI, CE, and TA can effectively enhance the anti-hydrolysis and UV resistance properties of PLA.

Ultraviolet resistance on weft knitted fabric coated by benzotriazoles

Ultraviolet resistance upon four different types of weft knitted fabrics including Lacoste, Single Jersey, Rib and Interlock were experimentally measured and evaluated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy under effects of gauge, specific weight, fiber composition and finishing agent as benzotriazole derivatives. The results showed that ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of Interlock sample reached the highest value at 42.7. Simultaneously, the higher gauge of Single Jersey knitted fabrics was, the better its ultraviolet protection exhibited. Also, insertion of polyester fibers or spandex fibers into cotton knitted fabrics with a certain ratio strongly increased UPF values. Notably, all UPFs of coated fabrics with a given content of benzotriazole were significantly improved and almost coated samples could undergo several washing cycles and still retain their inherent breathability. This work demonstrated that cotton knitted fabrics coated with benzotriazoles were excellently enhanced ultraviolet protection. Especially, the UPF values on Interlock or Rib specimens as well as Single Jersey samples blended with polyester/spandex fibers were found to be higher than 15.

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.

Mechanical and UV protection performances of polylactic acid spunlace nonwoven fabrics coated by eco-friendly lignin/water-borne polyurethane composite coatings

Lignin as a biopolymer, has drawn much attention owing to its renewable nature, biodegradability, easy availability, and excellent stability. Water-borne polyurethane (WPU)-based coatings have been contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly practices offer a straightforward avenue for the value-added utilization of lignin. With the alarming rise in death rates attributed to skin diseases due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, researchers have been actively searching for sustainable coating processes that enhance the UV protective capabilities of fabrics. In this paper, a facile strategy was reported for fabricating an environment friendly, mechanically durable, and UV protective biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) spunlace nonwoven fabrics (SNFs) using lignin/WPU composite coatings. Lignin/WPU coating pastes were prepared using five different recipes including different lignin concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.%) and coated on PLA SNFs via an applicator and thermally cured. Mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength and abrasion resistance) and UV protection factor (UPF) values of fabrics were investigated. The coating films were characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Lignin/WPU coated SNFs showed excellent UV protection performance and UPF values were obtained above 100 for all formulations. Lignin/WPU coatings provided an improving effect on the tensile strength and abrasion resistance performances of coated SNFs compared to uncoated SNFs. This work provides a simple and efficient strategy for preparing environmentally friendly lignin/WPU coatings, which are promising for application in the textile industry.

Metal-organic frameworks functionalized cellulosic fabrics as multifunctional smart textiles

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently garnered significant attention in fabricating functional textiles due to their remarkable adsorption capacities and open metal sites. This study presents a rapid and straightforward method for the in-situ surface functionalization of cellulosic textiles with different MOF structures, including MOF-5, MOF-199, ZIF-8, and ZIF-67. The resulting fabrics exhibit substantially increased surface areas compared to the pristine fabric. A comprehensive comparative analysis of these multifunctional fabrics has been conducted, considering factors such as ease of growth, surface area, wash durability, malodor adsorption capacity, UV-blocking attributes, antimicrobial efficacy, and commercial viability. Our results demonstrate that all MOF-treated textiles effectively capture a variety of malodors, including isovaleric acid, nonenal, and indole, at concentrations up to 1000 ppm. Further, these textiles also show the high adsorption capacity of aniline, a model air pollutant, with levels ranging from 15.5 to 22.87 mg/g. Notably, all MOF-treated samples exhibit impressive antimicrobial performance, with nearly 99.9 % effectiveness against both E. coli and S. aureus. MOF-199@CMC and ZIF-67@CMC fabrics also display exceptional UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) values, reaching 238 and 149, respectively. Considering variables such as solvents employed during synthesis, the visual aesthetics imparted by the finish, and the wash durability of the different MOF-functionalized fabrics, ZIF-8@CMC stands out as the superior choice, surpassing MOF-5@CMC, MOF-199@CMC, and ZIF-67@CMC fabrics. These MOF functionalized textiles can potentially be used as highly effective protective textiles.

Preparation of Photochromic Microcapsules of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Inorganic Metal Oxide Composite Shells with UV‐Resistant Properties and Application to Printing on Cotton Fabrics

AbstractTo further enhance the fatigue resistance of spiropyran‐based photochromic materials and to explore the functionality of organic–inorganic metal oxide microcapsule shell materials, cross‐linked (P(MMA‐PETA)) and homopolymer (PMMA) shells have been developed by cross‐linking TiO2 and hybridizing ZnO on a PMMA matrix. PMMA/TiO2 photochromic microcapsules and PMMA/ZnO photochromic microcapsules with ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing function are prepared by successfully encapsulating spiropyran photochromic compounds using these two composite shells. The results show that both microcapsules exhibit a complete spherical core–shell structure with good UV resistance and thermal stability. The TG test underlines a 50% coating rate of PMMA/ZnO microcapsules on spiropyran photochromic material, with an optimal ZnO addition of 10% and particle size range from 2 to 8 µm, effectively blocking UV‐A and part UV‐B radiation. Further, a 75% maximal coating rate is observed for PMMA/TiO2 microcapsules on spiropyran with optimal TiO2 addition at 2–4%, a particle size of around 5 µm, diffusely reflecting 48% of UV rays. The photochromic fabrics prepared with PMMA/TiO2 microcapsules have better UV resistance, with a UV protection factor value of 59.48, and excellent fatigue resistance after at least 30 cycles of UV–visible light irradiation.

EFFECT OF NATURAL DYES AND DIFFERENT MORDANT TREATMENTS ON ULTRA-VIOLET PROTECTION PROPERTY OF COTTON FABRIC

Natural dyes are eco-friendly, skin-friendly, have pleasing colours and other beneficial characteristics, such as UV protection property. In the present work, different natural dyes (onion skin, henna leaves, curry leaves, neem leaves and turmeric), along with a number of mordants (myrobalan, alum, ferrous sulphate and ferrous sulhate-myrobalan), were used to study their effects on colour strength and the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values of treated dyed cotton fabric. It was found that the highest colour strength (K/S) was achieved on ferrous sulphate-myrobalan treated turmeric dyed cotton fabric (75.45), followed by the samples dyed with onion skin (48.24), henna leaves (37.40), neem leaves (28.61) and curry leaves (25.96). The highest UPF value was found for ferrous sulphate-myrobalan pretreated curry leaves dyed cotton fabric (27.69), which indicated very good protection, whereas the ferrous sulphate-myrobalan pretreated onion skin dyed cotton fabric showed good protection (23.39), followed by those dyed with henna leaves (21.79), turmeric (19.48), and neem leaves (16.43).

A new multifunctional flame-retardant coating for cotton fabric to enhance smoke suppression, and UV shielding properties

Turmeric powder (TP) is used in the textile industry as a colouring agent, but its impact on the flammability properties of textiles wasn’t investigated. In this work, new coatings containing TP and TP with melamine polyphosphate (MPP) were utilized to enhance the thermal stability, flame retardancy, colour strength (K/S), and UV-protection factor (UPF) of cotton fabric (CF). Flammability tests indicated that TP alone failed to prevent flame spread in the fabric, and it increased the emission of toxic gases, especially CO and CO2. In contrast, the MPP/TP coating was able to put an end to the spread of a flame in CF, and the samples achieved self-extinction. The value of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of CF was 18.2%, and it enhanced in MPP/TP containing samples to be 37.8%. K/S and UPF values showed that MPP/TP coatings improved the K/S and UPF values of CF to 2.9 and 290, respectively. Additionally, they lowered the toxic gases produced during CF combustion and the maximum specific optical density (Dsmax) of CF. The new coatings improved the char residue production in treated samples at 750 °C compared to CF, according to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data. Untreated and treated samples' mechanical and physical characteristics were measured and compared. Analysis of smoke toxic gases and inspection of char remained following the smoke density test revealed that MPP/TP coating enhanced the flame retardancy of CF in both the condensed and gas phases.

Dyeing performance of wool fabric with natural pigment from Cordyceps militaris

As a sustainable and ecological dye resource, the biomass materials are receiving more and more attention. In this work, the pigments in Cordyceps militaris were extracted and applied for dyeing wool fabrics, and the various properties were investigated. The extracted pigments and dyed wool fibers were analyzed and characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The single-factor experiments were used to screen and optimize the dyeing process. Six metal mordants with different use order were compared with each other, and their possible mordanting mechanisms were proposed. The color fastnesses, UV resistance and antioxidant properties were evaluated after dyeing. The results showed that UV-Vis, LC-MS and FTIR analysis confirmed that the main components of C. militaris extract was lutein. The optimal dyeing process for the extract was as follows: dyestuff mass 200% (o.m.f.), dyeing temperature 90 °C, dyeing time 45 min, bath pH 5.0, Na2SO4 mass 0 g/L. Metal ions are added to form chelate bonds between the dyes and the fibers, further improving the color fastness. The dyed fabric exhibits excellent UV resistance and its UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) value increases with the color yield. Meanwhile, the dyed wool fabric could exhibit up to 94.77% antioxidant activity. These results provide new insight for the application of C. militaris pigments on wool fabric.

PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT OF PIGMENT PRINTED POLYESTER FABRIC USING PLASMA TECHNOLOGY

Today, the customer is the king of the market and polyester fabric is in high demand as it is more economical and has many good properties when compared with other textile material. Polyester is claiming more than 75percent of the estimated 60 million metric tons of fibres consumed in man-made textiles in the apparel industry over natural fibres. Naseerali (2013) In this study the researcher has made an attempt to improve the absorbency of polyester fabric as well as to reduce its static charge. Air plasma technology was used to treat the surface of 100% polyester fabric at different time durations of 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 minutes. The control and the surface modified fabrics were then printed with water- based pigments which are eco-friendly and without water based pigments which are commercially used. As most of the pigment printed samples get peeled off so it was plasma treated and then printed to evaluate the durability of the pigment prints. The UPF (ultra-violet protection factor) value of all the control and the modified sample were then evaluated to determine the ultraviolet radiation blockage or transmittance by fabrics intended to be used for UV protection. It was further found that better UPF value of the modified non water- based pigment at 90 minutes when compared to water based pigment samples and untreated samples. The fastness properties like rub and color fastness were observed with standard methods. In the rub fastness tests it was observed that the plasma treated with water based pigments for 30 minutes gave better dry rub fastness and it concludes that plasma treatment more than 30 minutes is not required because it gives a better results at 30 minutes. In the color fastness properties the water- based and non-water based pigment printing gave a better result at all-time durations than the control sample, so in concern of energy usage, treatment can be given for less time duration to have better quality products.

Eco-Finishing of Cotton with Chitosan and Giant Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea Aiton) Aqueous Extract for Development of Antioxidant and UV Protective Textiles

ABSTRACT Giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton) is considered an invasive weed in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In this research, the untreated and chitosan-treated cotton fabrics were functionalized with goldenrod inflorescences aqueous extract, at room temperature and 95°C. Zeta potential of fabrics was determined as a function of pH and the results showed an increased isoelectric point from 2.50 to 5.25 and amphoteric character of the chitosan-treated sample. The antioxidant activity (AA) of extract and functionalized fabrics was determined using DPPH analysis, while color and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) were determined spectroscopically before and after wash and lightfastness testing. The chitosan pretreatment and dyeing of cotton at higher temperature increased AA (from 41.19 ± 0.28 to 56.08 ± 0.25), UPF (from 33.05 to 51.59) and color strength (K/S) (from 1.74 to 2.21), providing dyed cotton with excellent UV protection and a free radical inhibition activity. The samples had good wash fastness in terms of color (ΔEab* < 1), but not in terms of UV protection (UPF value decreased after washing to 23.47). The overall lightfastness was good to excellent (the UPF values of chitosan and dyed samples did not change much after lightfastness test (UPF = 51.75).

Assessment of UV Protection for Children's Summer Clothing.

Excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure during childhood poses a particular long-term risk of developing skin cancer later in life however recent studies have called attention to the absorption of chemical sunscreen ingredients into the bloodstream with unclear significance.This has led to recommendations to consider sun protection in the form of clothing to reduce the need for sunscreen products. Ten brands of routine summer clothing not labeled as sun protective from five distributors marketed for children were identified with varying price ranges.Summer clothing items consisting of T-shirts and tops were evaluated for fiber composition, cost, and UPF testing was performed to determine UVA and UVB transmittance. Results: Around 88.2% of blended textile compositions compared to 60% of 100% cotton textiles offered adequate UV protection with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) greater than 15. 58% of blended fabrics compared to 50% of cotton textiles offered a UPF greater than 30. There was no correlation between brand and cost with UPF values. Conclusions: In the absence of regulations for testing and labeling of all children's garments for UV protection, guidelines for the pediatric population for choosing clothing for the summer should reflect the information available to consumers that is easy to understand and more likely to result in higher UPF values.Based on fiber composition, blended textiles are more likely to have adequate UV protection compared to 100% cotton or 100% polyester.

Bio-derived phosphorous-nitrogen-silicon decorated halloysite nanotube towards enhancing flame retardant, UV-blocking and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)

Developing flame retardant and UV-blocking polylactide (PLA) with reinforced mechanical properties is important but challenging. Herein, bio-derived phytic acid was decorated on halloysite nanotube though silane grafting, ring-opening reaction with melamine and then electrostatic interactions with phytic acid. The obtained phopsphorous-nitrogen-silicon decorated halloysite nanotube (PNSiHNT) was incorporated into PLA to prepare PLA composites. The surface modification significantly improved the compatibility between PNSiHNT and PLA, and the flame retardant, UV-shielding and mechanical properties of the composites were enhanced. At 5% mass loading, the peak heat release and total heat release were reduced by 18% and 12% compared to pure PLA, respectively, superior to most phytic acid-based flame retardants. The relevant mechanism analysis showed that PNSiHNT can restrain the emission of combustible volatiles and promote the formation of protective char layer. Moreover, the flame-retardant PLA showed excellent UV-shielding ability with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value of around 120. Due to the reinforcing effect of PNSiHNT and the strong interfacial interactions between PNSiHNT and PLA matrix, the PLA/PNSiHNT showed 77% and 116% increase in tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the bulk PLA. This study provides a strategy for designing bio-derived organic/inorganic systems for enhancing flame retardant, UV-blocking and reinforced PLA.

Electrospun Multifunctional Radiation Shielding Nanofibrous Membrane for Daily Human Protection

AbstractWith the widespread utilization of many radiation instruments, people are inadvertently suffering from radiation damage. But nowadays, there is still a lack of a lightweight, comfortable, and efficient wearable radiation‐proof multifunctional composite fibrous membranes in people's lives. To solve this problem, a green and efficient radiation‐resistant nanofibrous membrane consisting of cellulose fluorescent particles (CFP), ZnO‐Bi2O3 nanoparticles, and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution is prepared by an electrospinning technology. The microscopic characterization shows that the nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the surface of the nanofibrous membrane, forming a dense fibrous structure. The PAN/CFP/ZnO‐Bi2O3 nanofibrous membrane exhibits not only an excellent ultraviolet(UV) interception with an ultraviolet protection factor value of 337.99 ± 83.67, but also a strong shielding effect on low‐energy X‐rays. Simultaneously, it can not only photocatalytically degrade 88.17% of methylene blue solution within 150 min, but also remove 94.16 ± 0.96% of Escherichia coli and 99.07 ± 0.59% of Staphylococcus aureus within 3 h under dark incubation and kill all bacteria within 3 h under light. The adhesion, growth, and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on the PAN/CFP/ZnO‐Bi2O3 nanofibrous membranes confirm its low cytotoxicity and good biosafety. Thus, it could be expected to be used in daily life products such as UV and X‐rays radiation protective clothing.

The Impact of Routine Laundering on Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) Values for Commercially Available Sun-Protective Clothing.

Background Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has potentially harmful effects on the skin. Sunscreen products have historically focused on blocking UV-B radiation to prevent sunburns while efforts to block UV-A radiation have been lacking. UV protective clothing, rated by ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values, has gained popularity as an alternative form of UV protection, offering a physical barrier against UV rays. However, concerns arise regarding the disclosure and sustainability of UV-protective textiles, as companies often do not disclose the methods used to achieve UV protection. The addition of chemical sunscreen additives to textiles raises questions about their potential release during laundering and their impact on sustained UV protection and environmental health. Further research is needed to understand the risks and benefits of these practices. Methods Seven garments from commercially available sun-protective brand names claiming UV protection were tested for UPF values. The garments were washed separately using cold water in commercially available detergent in cold water followed by drying on a low setting. UPF measurements were obtained at baseline and at intervals of 10 wash cycles until 50 wash cycles were completed. Results Two brands (Brands A and D) experienced a significant decrease in UPF value (70% to 78%) by the completion of 50 washes. Brand A disclosed the use of a nano-zinc additive in their garments while Brand D did not disclose the means of achieving UV protection. In comparison, five brands (Brands B, C, E, F, G) maintained relatively stable UPF values throughout the 50 washes. The comparison between Brand A and Brand G, who disclosed their UV protectionmethods, showed that Brand A gradually decreased in UPF value throughout thewasheswhile Brand G remained stable. Conclusion The findings suggest that textile compositions with UV finishes may lose their UPF effectiveness during laundering by loss of the finish used over time or the textile integrity could be affected. This raises questions about the necessity of adding these UV finishes if there are fabrics that can maintain their UPF values without them.