Protection against UV-radiation Using a Modified Polyester Fabric

Abstract

This paper explores protection against UV-radiation using a polyester fabric. A polyester fabric from poly(ethylene-terephthalate) was modified by alkaline hydrolysis in sodium hydroxide with addition of two accelerators. Optimal accelerator concentration and time necessary for reaching the same appearance of silk like fabric intended mainly for summer clothes were applied. The capability of UV-protection of the polyester fabric was determined after modification, optical bleaching and treatment with a UV protection agent - UV-absorber Tinofast PES (CIBA). Mechanical properties and impact of UV-absorber on whiteness and fluorescence of the polyester fabric optically bleached by use of exhaustion and thermosol methods were investigated. It was found out that grey polyester fabric does not provide UV-protection. Protection is enhanced using optical brightener and UV-absorber. Optical brightener and UV-absorber show additive effect if the optical brightener was applied by exhaustion method, and synergistic effect by thermosol method. The best UV-protection was achieved by alkaline hydrolisis of the polyester fabric with addition of 3-chloro-2- hydroxy-propyl-trimethyl-ammonium chloride to the sodium hydroxide solution. The fabric modified in such a way provides the best aesthetic appearance and mechanical properties, the highest fluorescence and whiteness as well as the best UV-protection.