FTTS-FA-010 Far Infrared Textiles

Far-infrared is one band of the solar electromagnetic light-wave ranging in wavelength from 3μm to 1000 μm. Far-infrared textiles are made with blends of polymer and nano- or micro-ceramic powder spun together with synthetic cotton, natural cotton and other fibers to make yarns and fabrics. Far-infrared materials can also be added during aftertreatment of an ordinary fabric. Far-infrared textiles absorb sunlight, or heat from human body, and pass the far-infrared – wavelength 4 to 14 μm – back to the human body. This specific range of far-infrared is reputed to be most useful to the human body and is called “the rays of life” or “biogenetic rays.” When far-infrared rays strike the human body, their frequency is consistent with that of the body’s cellular movement. Far-infrared materials are particularly effective during activities in high mountain and snowy areas.

Taiwan technology for Far-infrared Textiles delivers average far infrared emissivity of not less than 0.85, and temperature variation more than 0.5℃. The test method for these textiles is not yet regulated internationally.

Scope

This criterion is applicable to textiles except fibrous products and semi-products for medical use.

Performance specification

The far infrared textile processing includes mixing of raw materials, coating, lamination and submerging. As products made of mixing of raw materials deliver the same durability of the fiber, the wash-resistance test would not necessary. For products come of coating, lamination and submerging processes will have to have the 10 times wash-resistance test based on AATCC 135 (1) (III) (A) iii prior to conducting the performance test. The performance test is conducted in ambient temperature and the criteria are given as below:

Evaluation

Qualification

Far Infrared

Characteristics

Far Infrared

Spectral Emissivity

The average emissivity not less than 0.80 determined by Far-Infrared spectrophotometer in wavelength of 3-14μm.

Re-radiated

Characteristics

Difference in temperature between the test sample and reference sample not less than +0.5 and the effective difference is better than the reliable limit of 95%.

* Meet any criterion given above.

Temperature

Characteristics

Thermograph

Average difference in temperature of skin in specific area while wearing test sample against wearing the reference sample not less than +0.5.

Monitor Test

* Meet any criterion given above.