Title: Enhancing Sun Resistance of Textiles: A Review of Textile Sun Protection Additives
Textiles are widely used in daily life, but their performance characteristics such as sun resistance are not enough. Sun protection additives can enhance the sun resistance of textiles and reduce the risk of skin damage caused by UV radiation. In this review, we discuss the various types of textile sun protection additives, including zinc oxide, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, carbon black, and terylene acetate. We also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each type, as well as their applications in different textile products. Moreover, we summarize the latest research on developing new and effective sun protection additives with improved sun resistance and other properties. Overall, the use of textile sun protection additives is an essential step in ensuring human health and preventing skin cancer caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation.
Introduction
The increasing use of textile products, particularly in outdoor applications, has led to a growing need for effective sun protection measures. Sun exposure can cause significant damage to the skin, leading to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. To address this issue, researchers have developed various techniques to enhance the sun resistance of textiles. One such technique is the use of textile sun protection additives, which can be added to textile fibers during the manufacturing process to provide additional protection against UV radiation. In this review, we will discuss the various types of textile sun protection additives, their properties, and their application in textile industry.
Types of Textile Sun Protection Additives
There are several types of textile sun protection additives, each with its unique properties and applications. Some of the commonly used additives include:
1. Ozone-functionalized polymers (OFPs): OFPs are made by adding ozone atoms to polymer chains, creating new chemical structures that offer excellent UV absorption and blocking capabilities. They are highly efficient in blocking both UVA and UVB radiation and can also provide anti-static properties. OFPs are commonly used in sunscreen clothing, hats, and scarves.
2. Iron oxide-based pigments: Iron oxide is a widely available mineral that naturally absorbs UV radiation. By adding iron oxide to textile fibers during the manufacturing process, it is possible to achieve excellent sun protection properties without adding any chemicals or synthetic materials. Iron oxide-based pigments are often used in dyed fabric products, such as cotton T-shirts and linen pants.
3. Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles are small particles that can be added to textile fibers to improve their solar reflectance and blocking abilities. There are different types of nanoparticles, including carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles, and quantum dots. These nanoparticles can be engineered to have specific properties, such as high refractive index or high absorption efficiency for specific wavelengths of UV radiation.
4. Polymer blends: Polymer blends are mixtures of different polymers that can be formulated to achieve specific sun protection properties. These blends can include natural polymers like cotton or synthetic polymers like polypropylene or polyester. Polymer blends can be designed to provide both UV absorption and reflection, or to absorb specific wavelengths of UV radiation while allowing others to pass through.
Properties of Textile Sun Protection Additives
The properties of textile sun protection additives depend on the type of additive used and the specific formulation. In general, these additives exhibit the following properties:
1. UV absorption: Most textile sun protection additives are designed to absorb UV radiation, either by absorbing UVA or UVB rays or by reflecting them back away from the skin. This helps to reduce the amount of time that the skin is exposed to harmful UV radiation and reduces the risk of sunburn and other skin damage.
2. Anti-aging effects: Some textile sun protection additives are designed to have anti-aging effects, helping to slow down the aging process of the skin caused by sun exposure. These additives can help prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots on the skin.
3. Water repellency: Many textile sun protection additives are also designed to increase water repellency, making it easier for the user to stay dry in wet conditions. This property is particularly useful for outdoor activities like swimming or hiking where moisture can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin.
Application in Textile Industry
Textile sun protection additives have become increasingly popular in the textile industry due to their many benefits. They can be added to a wide range of textile products, including clothing, bedding, outdoor gear, and accessories. Here are some common applications of textile sun protection additives:
1. Clothing: Sunscreen clothing is a popular application of textile sun protection additives, particularly for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and sports. These garments often feature specialized fabrics that are treated with UV-blocking agents to provide long-lasting protection against harmful UV radiation.
2. Bedding: Textile sun protection additives can also be added to bedding products like sheets, blankets, and pillows to provide additional protection against sun exposure while sleeping. This helps to prevent premature aging of the skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer caused by prolonged sun exposure during sleep hours.
3. Outdoor gear: Text
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