Abstract

The objective: The objective of my project was to compare nonwoven medical gowns as barriers against UV radiation. The long-range application of my experiment would be to use the protective characteristics of medical gowns, in both UV and bacterial resistance, as a model for the design of new, UV-protective fabrics suitable for everyday clothing.

Methods/Materials

Seventeen nonwoven medical gown fabrics were tested for transmission and absorbance of UV radiation using a Spectronic 20+ spectrophotometer. Each sample, along with the control (an empty frame), was sandwiched between homemade frames and penetrated with UV radiation inside the testing chamber. The samples were also observed under a scanning electron microscope to determine surface characteristics of the samples.

Results

The higher-ranking fabrics were composed of threads that allowed for a closer entanglement of fibers, such as the best performer, a 55/45 woodpulp/polyester mix. Fabrics with a looser weave and a larger area of holes ranked lower, such as the worst performer, a light 100% polyester fabric.

Conclusions/Discussion

On average, when compared to other samples of the same composition, thicker and heavier fabrics performed better than the lighter and thinner types. However, the most significant factor in determining the rank of all tested samples was the area of air spaces. Larger holes permitted more UV radiation to pass through, which resulted in lower performance.

The project determined Nonwoven medical fabrics with closer weaves perform better at blocking UV radiation because the porosity, which permits transmission of UV rays, is less.

Science Fair Project done By Ashley N. Muirheid

Related Projects : Effect of Temperature on the Decay of Ascorbic Acid, Examining Freezing Point Depression, The Effect of Pill Type on Disintegration Rate and Process, Oxidation of Dopamine by High-Valent Manganese, Pigment Separation in Allium cepa (Red Onions), Control of Hydrophilicity in Nanoporous Zeolite Film, What Would You Like to Drink? Well Water, The Wonders of Water, The Effect of an Acidic Environment on Dental Amalgam, Synthesis of Bismuth Telluride Nanowires, Luminescent Silole Nanoparticles for Chromium (VI) Detection, Comparing Two Recipes of Biodiesel, Digitally-Enhanced Thin-Layer Chromatography, Photochemistry Ammonium Oxalate and Iodide, Ir (III) and Pt (II) Complexes, Hello Chitin Goodbye Ions, Blocking Ultraviolet Light, Redheads, Blondes, or Brunettes, An Ionic Inquiry Yields Saline Solutions, What Type of Fuel Has the Greatest Energy per Unit Mass