Studies on Nano – UV Protective Finish on Apparel Fabrics for Health Protection

There is a growing demand in the marketplace for textile apparel that offers comfort and protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV rays of the sun when they come into contact with skin lead to all kinds of skin problems. The accumulated effects damage the skin’s DNA and cell function. In addition to skin cancer, excessive sun exposure also causes pre-malignant actinic keratoses, wrinkles, dark and unsightly blotches, leathery skin and prone to destabilizing the immune system. Research has shown that sun (UV) protective clothing is one of the most effective ways to protect against skin cancer. Such fabrics are specifically designed for sun protection by covering a maximum amount of skin and made from a fabric rated for its level of UV protection. Throwing on a sun protective shirt with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30+ value is a proactive decision, which can simply help to live a healthier life. Hence, an attempt has been made in this study to visualize the effect of an application of titanium dioxide nano finish onto cotton and its blends with viscose and polyester to provide nano UV protection, without hampering the strength of the substrate.