Both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light have negative impact on the human health. With this background it is the main aim of the current research to realize a textile material which is able to protect against both UV light and IR light. For this research, regenerated cellulosic fibers from the Lyocell process are used and modified. Main analytical investigations are done by photo-spectroscopy in arrangement of diffuse transmission for the spectral range from 220 nm to 1400 nm. Additionally, microscopic investigations are done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For material development, Lyocell fibers functionalized with TiO2 particles are first processed into yarns and then into knitted fabrics. Compared to non-functionalized textiles, the transmission is reduced in the UV range due to the absorption behavior of TiO2. Subsequent dyeing with anthraquinone or reactive dyes enhanced the UV protective effect. To reduce the transmission in the near IR range (NIR), non-functionalized Lyocell knitted fabrics are functionalized with various IR absorbers in different concentrations. With increasing concentration, the transmission decreased. However, a grey coloration of the textile is observed simultaneously, with increased concentration. This must be considered in further processing steps. With these methods for functionalization, it is possible to produce textiles that offer increased protection against UV and IR radiation. These are promising materials for the production of clothing or work wear.
Sunlight is essential for humans. However, sunlight can be the source of several disadvantageous effects and illnesses, e.g., skin aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Textiles with functional protective effects can counteract these problems. In the current research, knitted fabrics were produced from Lyocell yarns spin-doped with the inorganic UV absorber titanium dioxide TiO2. Lyocell yarns without TiO2 were used as reference materials. The produced knitted fabrics were dyed with different dyestuffs to improve the protective properties against UV light and infrared light. The protective properties are determined by optical spectroscopy in an arrangement of diffusive transmission. With the two dyestuffs Drimaren Yellow HF-CD and Solophenyl Bordeaux 3BLE, dyes were determined which complete UV protection and additionally reduce transmission in the near-IR range (700 nm to 1000 nm). TiO2 in the fibers enhanced this effect. In the UV range (280 nm to 400 nm), the transmission was almost zero with both dyes. Overall, the Lyocell samples containing TiO2 exhibit less sensitivity to abrasion and a UV protective effect after washing can be still determined. The weight loss after the abrasion test for these samples is quite low with only around 8.5 wt-% (10,000 rubbing cycles in the Martindale device). It is concluded that the right choice of dye can improve the protective effect of textiles against various types of radiation. Lyocell fiber-based textiles are suitable for the production of summer clothing due to their good moisture management. Compared to other radiation protective materials based on coating application, the presented solution is advantageous, because the textile properties of the realized products are still present. For this, a direct transfer to clothing application and use in apparel is easily possible. This study can be seen as the first proof-of-concept for the future development of light-protective clothing products.
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