Comfort and Protection Properties Of Tencel/Cotton Blends

Good ultraviolet protection, thermal and moisture transport properties are quite important factors for knitted garments especially for sportswear, outerwear and underwear. These properties may offer higher flexibility in designing such garments with optimized comfort properties. There were few studies concerning knitted fabrics, in particular the influence of fiber materials on ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and absorption properties. Accordingly, in this study, knitted fabric samples were produced with eight types of natural and regenerated cellulosic yarns using two different fabric types (i.e. single jersey and single jersey with Lycra fabrics). In doing so, Ne 30/1 yarns from cellulosic fibers: 50% Tencel LF / 50% cotton, 67% Tencel LF / 33% cotton, 67% Tencel STD / 33% cotton, 70% bamboo / 30% cotton, 100% bamboo, 100% Modal, 100% Micro Modal and 100% cotton were employed. After that, all fabric samples were subjected to a repeated laundering process (five cycles) under commercial conditions and then flat-dried. The results show that 67% Tencel LF / 30% cotton single jersey fabric has more flexural rigidity than 67% Tencel STD / 30% cotton fabric. Blending Egyptian cotton fibers with bamboo and Tencel as in 70 / 30% bamboo/cotton and 50 / 50% Tencel LF/cotton increase U.P.F characteristic of the produced fabric. Egyptian cotton fabric has the highest thermal insulation compared to the other regenerated cellulosic fabrics.