BS EN 13758-1:2002 – Textiles — Solar UV protective properties — Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the erythemally weighted ultraviolet (UV) radiation transmittance of standard conditioned apparel fabrics to assess their solar UV protective properties.
This method is not suitable for fabrics which offer protection at a distance such as umbrellas, shade structures or artificial sources.
NOTE This standard may not be appropriate for fabrics with small colour and construction variations.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate place in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 20139:1992, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (ISO 139:1973).
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
For the purposes of this European Standard the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1.1
wavelength ()
spatial period of radiation expressed in nanometresm
3.1.2
ultraviolet radiation (UVR)
electromagnetic radiation with wavelength between 180 nm and 400 nm
UVA: ultraviolet radiation with wavelength between 315 nm and 400 nm
UVB: ultraviolet radiation with wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm
3.1.3
solar irradiance [E()]
quantity of energy emitted by the sun received at the surface of the earth per unit wavelength and per unit area. It is expressed as W·m -2 ·nm -1 . The solar UVR spectrum as measured at the earth’s surface extends between 290 nm and 400 nm
3.1.4
erythema
reddening of the skin caused by various physical or chemical agents
3.1.5
erythema action spectrum ()
relative erythemal effectiveness of radiation with wavelength
3.1.6
spectral transmittance T()
ratio of transmitted radiation and incident radiation at a wavelength
3.1.7
integrating sphere
hollow sphere whose internal surface is a non-selective diffuse reflector
3.1.8
fluorescence
absorption of radiation of a particular wavelength and its re-emission within a short time as optical radiation of greater wavelength
3.1.9
spectral bandwidth
width in nanometres at half peak intensity of optical radiation emerging from a monochromator
3.1.10
sample recess error
error introduced when the sample is recessed from the port of the integrating sphere (e.g. by using a filter between the port and the sample). In this case part of the diffused transmitted radiation is intercepted and will not enter the sphere. The sample recess error depends on sample construction, distance of sample from port and ratio of port and illumination patch dimensions
BS EN 13758-1:2002 – Textiles — Solar UV protective properties — Part 1: Method of test for apparel fabrics