| Keywords |
부직포 ; 자외선 차단 성능 ; 직물 무게 ; 직물 두께 Solid volume fraction ; Nonwoven fabric ; UV-protective property ; Weight ; Solid volume fraction ; Thickness |
| Abstract |
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can cause permanent damage to skin and is believed to be responsible for the development of skin cancers. As the use of nonwoven fabrics for protective garments for outdoor workers continues to increase, it is necessary to provide information on UV-protective properties of nonwoven fabrics in order to provide a safe working environment for outdoor workers from UV radiation. The objectives of this study are to characterize UV-protective properties of nonwoven fabrics currently available for protective garments and to explore fabric parameters affecting the UVR transmission through nonwoven fabrics. Also, a statistical model that estimates UVR transmission of nonwoven fabrics using simple fabric parameters is developed. Twelve nonwoven fabrics commercially available for clothing were selected, and the fabric weight and thickness were measured. Solid volume fraction was calculated based on the fabric measurements. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the relationship between fabric parameters and UVR transmission through nonwoven fabrics. Nonwoven fabrics available for clothing exhibited a wide range of ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) values. More than half of the nonwoven fabrics provide little protection against UV radiation. Statistical models estimating the level of UV-A and UV-B transmission were developed using two significant fabric parameters, fabric weight and solid volume fraction. The R2 values for models developed for UV-A and UV-B transmission were 0.91 and 0.96, respectively. These findings could be useful in providing recommendations for selecting nonwoven fabrics for protective garments for outdoor workers. |