Cotton fabric
Researchers at Northeast Normal University, China are reported to have developed the most durable variety of cotton fabric. This cotton is developed through a systematic, 3-step process which involves use of compounds such as zinc oxide and silica. The resulting cotton variety is waterproof apart from being resistant to harmful, ultraviolet radiation (UV rays).
This breakthrough fabric is believed to need minimal cleaning and provides additional protection to the skin of the user. This is a major advantage over conventional cotton which is permeable to ultraviolet radiation which is known to be very harmful to the human skin. UV rays induce problems like aging/wrinkling of skin and skin cancer.
The sun-protection performance of this fabric has been measured and it provides a UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor of nearly 101.15. This rating is impressive since it is much higher the UV protection offered by off-the-shelf suntan lotions.
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