Effect of reactive dyeing on the UV protection affected by knitted fabric made from different types of cotton fibre

In this study, 100% cotton knitted fabrics made from combed cotton and combed pima cotton were dyed with reactive dye, with different dye concentrations. Colour properties such as CIE L*a*b* values as well as dyeing uniformity of the dyed fabrics were measured. The relationships between colour properties and the ultraviolet protection afforded by cotton knitted fabrics were investigated. Experimental results revealed that dye concentration is the most important factor. In addition, only L* values have a direct mathematical relationship with the ultraviolet protection factor; a* and b* values and dyeing uniformity were not found to have a significant correlation with ultraviolet protection factor values. Meanwhile, knitted fabric made from combed cotton fibre has better ultraviolet protection performance than fabric made from combed pima cotton fibre.