Fabrication of UV-Protective Polyester Fabric with Polysorbate 20 Incorporating Fluorescent Color

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Technological advancements drive the development of multifunctional materials.
• There is a growing demand for materials that satisfy both aesthetic and functional requirements.
• Polysorbate 20 and coumarin derivative disperse dyes offer potential for dual functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conjugate dual functionality (UV absorption and fluorescence) into a single material.
• To develop UV-protective fabric with enhanced aesthetic appeal.
• To investigate the potential of polysorbate 20 as an ultraviolet absorber in polyester (PET) fabrics.

Main Methods:

• Polysorbate 20 was incorporated into PET fabric dyed with coumarin derivative disperse dyes.
• Fabric properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and color strength (K/S) were measured using reflectance spectrophotometry. Light fastness was assessed.

Main Results:

• The developed fabric exhibited an excellent ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 53.71.
• The material blocked over 95% of both UVA and UVB radiation.
• The fabric demonstrated good color strength and resistance to photo fading, indicating improved light fastness.

Conclusions:

• Polysorbate 20 effectively functions as a UV absorber, creating UV-protective PET fabric.
• The combination of polysorbate 20 and fluorescent dyes yields a dual-functional material suitable for fashion.
• The developed fabric offers superior UV protection, aesthetic appeal, and wearing comfort.