Development of UV absorbers for sun protective fabrics

Abstract

The textiles for protection against harmful UV radiation have become the focus of great interest in the present time. However, not all apparel is well-protected against UV light. Therefore, the application and improvement of UV absorbers for sun protective fabrics is being sought. In this study, various benzophenone UV absorbers containing benzotoriazolyl groups were prepared, and the Ultraviolet Protection Factors (UPF) and improving the light fastness of dyes was examined. A series of hydroxybenzophenones bearing a built-in benzotriazole moiety showed a very high UPF, and played a very important role in the improvement of light fastness of dyes. It was found that 2,2’,4,4’-tetrahydroxy-5,5’-dibenzotriazolylbenzophenonesulfonic acid or the methyl derivative shows very high UPF, and plays an important role in improving the light fastness of dyes. It was further demonstrated that the combined use of these UV absorbers and singlet oxygen quencher, NTS (Nickel p-toluenesulfonate), can be applied as effective stabilizers against the photofading of dyes.