The aim of the doctoral dissertation was to develop a fast and efficient method for predicting the UV protective properties of fabrics already in the stage of planning and designing. We established a mathematical model to calculate and predict the UV-protective properties of fabrics, using transmittance (KT), reflection (KR) and absorption (KA) coefficients of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The model is based on our extended cover factor theory by using the geometrical properties of monofilament polyester fabrics.
The model was first validated on monofilament polyester fabrics by comparing the theoretical values calculated according to the model with previously measured values of the UV radiation parameters. The results show high correlations (r > 0.98) and small differences between the theoretical and measured values, indicating the high model efficiency. Moreover, the results confirm the theoretical assumption that the coefficient of UV transmission of the fabric area covered with two yarns (K2T) is approximately equal to the power function of the coefficient of UV transmission of the fabric area covered with one yarn (K1T2), and that the coefficient of UV absorption of the fabric area covered with two yarns (K2A) is approximately equal to the square root of the coefficient of UV absorption of the fabric area covered with one yarn (〖⠚K〗_1A). Apart from developing a new model, we also defined a new method to determine maximum density, which is also based on the extended version of the cover factor theory. This method was used to determine the constructional parameters and parameters of UV radiations that are necessary for using the model.
For its broader use, the model was also validated on a series of single- and double-layer thread systems, using uncoloured raw polyester (PES) rotor yarn and coloured cotton (CO) ring yarns in two different counts. For that purpose, the method for preparing single-layer or double-layered thread systems with uniform density was developed. PES samples differed in the number of twist yarn and thread density, while CO samples differed in colour and density of the thread. Open area and yarn diameters were determined using image analysis. In both cases, the results show high correlations (r > 0.94), small differences between theoretical and measured values, and confirm the aforementioned theoretical assumption.
Taken together, the results clearly show high efficiency of our model and practical importance, since it can be used to develop and produce protective clothing.
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