Ultraviolet transmittance property is essential when your fabric lab chooses material for the production of outdoor function wear. This article guides you about the ultraviolet transmittance test standards and provides an overview of parameters and a comparison between main standard tests.
The harm of Ultraviolet Transmittance
In recent years, the depletion of the ozone layer has led to an increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation on Earth, including a higher proportion of UVB rays. People are more aware of UV radiation’s potential harms, such as skin aging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dark spots, and skin cancer.
The Importance of Textile Ultraviolet Transmittance Test Standards
Textiles serve as the first layer of protection between humans and nature, and there is growing interest in UV-protective textile products. In the diverse and complex textile market, accurately testing textiles for UV protection has become crucial for identifying quality products. The volume of UV protection tests conducted by inspection agencies is increasing. Ensuring test results’ accuracy, reliability, and convenience is a crucial goal of laboratory quality control.
UPF Index
The UPF index, short for the Ultraviolet Protection Factor, measures the ratio of UV radiation’s average effect on unprotected skin to that on skin protected by fabric. It quantifies a textile’s effectiveness in blocking UV rays.
Ultraviolet Transmittance Test Standards
AATCC 183、 EN 13758-1、AS/NZS 4399、GB/T 18830、JIS L 192
Below, we list a comparison of parameters for each standard:
AATCC 183
Application: all textiles
Wavelength Range (nm): 280-400
Number of samples: 2 wet, 2 dry
For non-homogeneous samples, each color and each expected result should have at least one sample.
Humidity Control: (21 ± 1)°C, (65 ± 2)% RH
Additional Notes: Sample UPF value, average transmission rates for UVA and UVB, And blocking rates for UVA and UVB.
EN 13758
Application: Garment Fabrics
Wavelength Range (nm): 290-400
Number of samples: 4
Each color and expected result should have at least two samples for non-homogeneous samples.
Humidity Control: (20 ± 2)°C, (65 ± 2)% RH
Additional Notes: Sample UPF value, the average UPF value, the average transmission rates for UVA and UVB
AS/NZS 4399
Application: Sun-protective fabrics, clothing, and gear that are designed to be worn close to the skin。
Wavelength Range (nm): 290-400
Number of samples: 2 warp, 2 weft
For non-homogeneous samples, each color and each expected result should have at least one sample.
Humidity Control: (20 ± 5)°C, (50 ± 2)% RH
Additional Notes: sample UPF value, the average UPF value, the average transmission rates for UVA and UVB
GB/T 18830
Application: All textiles
Wavelength Range (nm): 290-400
Number of samples: 4 dry
Each color and expected result should have at least two samples for non-homogeneous samples.
Humidity Control: (20 ± 2)°C, (65 ± 2)% RH
Additional Notes: sample UPF value, the average UPF value, the average transmission rates for UVA and UVB
JIS L 1925
Application: All textiles
Wavelength Range (nm): 290-400
Number of samples: 2 warp, 2 weft
For non-homogeneous samples: to be specified
Humidity Control: (20 ± 15)°C, (65 ± 20)% RH
Additional Notes: sample UPF grade, UV blocking rate
Related Resources
AATCC 183 Ultraviolet Transmittance Tester YG(B)912S
AATCC 183 Textile Ultraviolet Penetration & Protection Tester YG(B)912E