Impact of the Monofilament Diameter on Transmission and Reflection of UV-Rays and UV-Protective Factor

Abstract

The impact of UV-rays belongs to the most important natural influences affecting the structure and functions of human skin. Excessive exposure to UV-radiation causes too early skin ageing and enhances the risk of skin cancer so that the issue of protection against the negative influence of sunbeams is very important and should not be neglected. Preventive protective measures against detrimental impact of sunrays include avoidance of exposure to sunrays (especially at noon), use of protective suntan lotions and sun glasses as well as the simultaneous use of protective clothing and hat. Textile materials provide an adequate form of protection against UV-rays, but all the materials are not likewise effective. To improve protective characteristics (quality) of textile materials, different agents absorbing and reflecting UV-rays are applied to the textile surface. Recently many new products have been marketed whose structure provides effective protection. Protective features are affected by: cover factor (porosity), type of fibre, colour and construction of textile material, water content, changes caused by wearing, portion of different additives (agents absorbing and reflecting UV-rays). This paper describes the impacts of textile material construction, monofilament diameter, density and impact of more layers on protective characteristics of textiles. Measurements were made on a spectrophotometer according to the recommendations of AATCC standard (AATCC Test Method 183-1998).