Proposal of Objective Assesment of the Phenomenon of Light Passage Through Blackout Fabrics

Abstract

The paper presents some possibilities of measuring light passed through textile products applicable as sunshade window curtains. The existing measurement methods were analysed and a new method for measuring the barrier properties and transparency of flat textile products was proposed based on linear measurement. The idea of measurement was established for the purpose of identifying the optical properties of blackout fabrics applied as internal screens for public interiors. Preliminary research has shown that blackout fabrics obtained by weaving technology – so called weaving blackout (not a coated blackout) have a varied structure. In this case, the characteristics of this structure determine the level of barrier properties. The mechanism of light passing through such structures is special and requires specific measurement conditions. The paper presents an original research methodology dedicated especially for blackout fabrics. The new methodology and indicators for assessing the barrier effect in the VIS radiation band can be adopted by industry.