Comparative Study on Finished and Unfinished UV Resistant Cotton Fabric

Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the family of Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. Under natural conditions, the cotton bolls will tend to increase the dispersal of the seeds. The species typically occurs in humid forests and stream sides. The plant contains Ultra Violet (UV) resistant activity in nature. The grape seed was shade dried and powdered to the test the presence of UV resistant activity. Ultraviolet rays constitute a very low fraction in the solar spectrum but influence all living organisms and their metabolisms. These radiations can cause a range of effects from simple tanning to highly malignant skin cancers, if unprotected. Fabric UV protection ability highly depends on large number of factors such as type of fiber, fabric surface, construction, porosity, density, moisture content, type and concentration of dyestuff, fluorescent whitening agents, UV-B protective agents (UV absorbers), as well as nanoparticles, if applied. Previous study shows that UV protective finishing has done using many herbal leaves like curry leaves, betal leaves etc. This paper deals with the deleterious effects of UV index and protection against UV index through textile materials. In this study, the results of UV protecting ability according to AATCC 183 1999 will be discussed to show that standard clothing materials are not always adequate to prevent effect of UV-R to the human skin. The application of suitable finishing methods can be employed as UV protection fabrics. This study reveals the effect of UV resistant activity of the Vitis Vinifera (grape seed) extract on 100 % cotton fabric.