Effect of weave, structural parameters and ultraviolet absorbers on in vitro protection factor of bleached cotton woven fabrics

Introduction: The weave, fabric cover, areal density and ultraviolet (UV) absorbers are some of the factors which influence the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of cotton fabrics. It will be of interest to know whether fabric cover or fabric areal density is a better predictor of cotton fabric UPF. It will also be of interest to know whether the UV absorbers are equally effective for all kinds of cotton fabric. Objectives: To understand the role of weave, fabric cover, areal density and UV absorbers on the UPF of cotton fabrics. To establish quantitative relationships between the fabric cover, areal density and UPF for cotton fabrics. Methods: Sixty-four woven fabrics were manufactured using different weaves, cotton yarn count and picks per centimetre values. Nonlinear regression models were developed to relate the fabric cover and areal density with the UPF. The role of UV absorbers at different levels of cover has been analysed. Results: In case of bleached cotton fabrics woven with 40 Ne warp yarn count, 40 ends per cm, different weft yarn count (20-40 Ne) and picks per centimetre (15-27), weave does not have a statistically significant effect on the UPF. Fabric areal density is a better predictor of UPF than the fabric cover. The UV absorbers are more effective when the fabric cover is high. Conclusions: The developed equations relating fabric cover and UPF can be used as a primary guideline while selecting fabrics for UV protection.