Effect of direct dyes on the UV protection property of 100% cotton knitted fabric

In this study, 100 % cotton knitted fabrics were dyed with direct dye with different colour depths. The colour properties such as CIE L*a*b* values as well as dyeing levelness of the dyed fabrics were measured. The relationship between colour properties and the ultraviolet (UV) protection property were investigated. Experimental results revealed that the colour depth and dye concentration are the most important factors influencing the UV protection property of cotton knitted fabrics. In addition, only CIE L* values have a significant relationship with UV protection factor (UPF). The CIE a* and CIE b* values did not have significant correlation with UPF values but the dyeing levelness would affect the UV protection property of coloured 100 % cotton knitted fabric.