TEXTILES.ORG
Company:
Claros Technologies
Project Details
Fabric 1
Cotton
Producer/Manufacturer:
OTHER
Primary Use:
Main Fabric
Fabric 2
Cotton/Modal and Other Blends
Producer/Manufacturer:
OTHER
Primary Use:
Main Fabric
Fabric 3
Polyester
Producer/Manufacturer:
OTHER
Primary Use:
Main Fabric
Fabric 4
Nylon
Producer/Manufacturer:
OTHER
Primary Use:
Main Fabric
Engineer Name 1
Andrew Gonzalez
Engineer Company 1
Claros Technologies
Project Manager Name
Andrew Gonzalez
Project Manager Company
Claros Technologies
Please describe the project specifications
Our client wanted to develop a fabric treatment that would improve the Ultraviolet Protection Factor on pure white cotton. UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, which 1 out of 5 individuals will develop by age 70. By improving the shielding characteristics of certain fabrics, we can better protect individuals from this risk. Existing technologies either utilize hazardous benzene derivative compounds, or the use of pre-made nanoparticles such as Titanium Dioxide which are only weakly bound to the textile surface and can wash away.
We developed a chemical treatment similar to a dye process, that when applied to a fabric, specifically cellulosic, is able to improve the UPF score to 80+ (our samples started at a score of 10 UPF) without changing the color of the fabric. The chemical treatment is derived from natural organic materials which can be sourced abundantly without the use of damaging farming or foresting techniques. The technology needed to apply the chemical solution already exists in most manufacturing mills, allowing for easy adoption without high capital expense. It can also be used on textiles which are to be dyed or have already been dyed. The treatment process also works on synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, although these already tend to have a higher natural UPF rating, so they were not of high importance to our client.
The ZioRay Ultraviolet Protection technology is currently being tested at large scale with our client for integration into their product line, with an expected launch in Spring of 2024.
What is unique or complex about the project?
This project came about because of partner interest in developing UV protection on natural fibers. Generally, there isn't a huge demand for UV protection on apparel because synthetic materials, especially when combined with a colored dye, already provide decent protection, with UPF 30+. However, this client specifically wants to increase the use of natural materials in its products, and the development of a UV protective white cotton was a high priority for them. Furthermore, this client was deeply invested in providing a high-performing and durable solution, as previous UPF products had been recalled for failure to meet the appropriate performance level.
Throughout our efforts on this project, we moved away from common inorganic materials and looking to natural organic counterparts, due to the abundance of natural molecules which exist to block out UV light. All sorts of plants and animals have developed pigments or chemicals which serve to protect the cells from UV deterioration, so it was simply a matter of identifying a few key components and utilizing our technology to apply it to the fabric in a durable manner. This project was our first endeavor into organic solutions to resolve current industry problems, and we hope will set a precedent as we strive to develop more sustainable technologies.
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