Abstract
The main purpose of this research was to study the relationship between ultraviolet (UV) protection and the structure of cotton knitted fabrics. In order to study the UV protection ability of cotton knitted fabrics, a total of 15 types of knitted fabrics were produced. Single knitted fabrics were: (1) plain knit, (2) Lacoste, (3) Pineapple, (4) knit+miss, (5) knit+tuck, (6) 2 knit+2 miss in wale, (7) 2 knit+2 tuck in wale, (8) 2 knit+2 miss in course and (9) 2 knit+2 tuck in course. Double knitted fabrics were: (1) Half Milano, (2) Full Milano, (3) Half Cardigan, (4) Full Cardigan, (5) 1×1 Rib and (6) Interlock. Other than fabric structure, the relationship between fabric weight, fabric thickness and fabric count (measured as stitch density) were also discussed. Experimental results revealed that the heavier the fabric weight per unit area, the higher was the UPF of the fabric. However, UPF values of single knitted and double knitted fabrics were not necessarily higher when the fabric was thicker. Although the increment of stitch density would lead to increase in the number of loop within the area, different types of loops may have different property which would affect the fabric appearance and in return the amount of UV radiation pass through the fabric would be affected.
