LAUSR

Skin cancer has emerged as an alarming issue due to an excessive exposure of human skin to sunlight. Medical science suggests that the use of sunscreen and wearing clothing that absorbs ultraviolet radiation can help to prevent this type of cancer. In order to enhance the sun-blocking properties of clothes, dyes, pigments, delustrants, and ultraviolet absorbers have been added in previous research. In this work, we investigated the applicability of an innovative and environment-friendly natural UV-absorber extracted from betel nut ( Areca catechu ). After integrating the Areca catechu in silk and nylon fabrics, the resultant sun-blocking properties were determined in terms of the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) measured by a vitro test conducted with a spectroradiometer. The silk and nylon fabrics treated with the Areca catechu in a highly acidic condition (pH=2) and heated at 70 °C for 70 min showed good UV-protection capacity (UPF=15-24) with sufficient antimicrobial properties.