• Background and problem
UVR is an electromagnetic radiation between the wavelength 150-400 nm. The UV-radiation is divided into UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm) which burns and skin cancer, and UV-C (100-280 nm). This type is completely absorbed by the oxygen and ozone from the atmosphere and does not reach the Earth's surface.
Therefore, in recent years, researchers have devoted efforts to add or improve the properties of protection against the harmful UVR and their negative impact such as damage, skin photo cancer…etc by using UV-absorber such as derivatives of o–hydroxybenzophenones, o– hydroxyphenyl triazes, o–hydroxy phenyl hydrazines and/or inorganic UV-blockers like ZnO nanoparticles and TiO2 nanoparticles.
The extent of UV-protection is governed by type of fibre, fabric construction, used coloring agents as well as finishing treatments.
• The main task and results of the research
The goal of this research is to develop a simultaneous process for upgrading the disperse printability and UV- blocking functionality of wool/polyester blend via incorporation of UV-SUN® CEL LIQ, as UV-absorber, or TiO2-NPs, as UV-blocker, into the disperse printing formulation [βCD, Na-alginate, Citric acid, DMDHEU, PEG-600, and Disperse dye].
The obtained results revealed that:
1- Functionalized wool/polyester disperse prints were obtained by individal inclusion of UV-SUN® CEL LIQ, or TiO2-NPs and β-CD in print formulation, followed by printing and steam fixing.
2- The enhancement in UPF values of the produced disperse prints, as a UV-protecting agent, follows the descending order: TiO2-NPs > UV-SUN® CEL LIQ,>> none.
3- Fastness properties were very good to excellent.