Cutting-Edge Fabric Treatment Reduces UV and Deodorizes

Nanotechnology, the science that creates at the scale of a billionth of a meter, is producing new textile and clothing offerings each month. Building on its traditional strengths in materials science, Japan has emerged as an early innovator applying nanotechnology to functional cloth. Delphi Labs is pleased to introduce ZefirFab™, one of Japan’s pace-setting products that will enhance fabric with the following features at competitive prices: (1) reduction in ultraviolet radiation; (2) deodorization (freshening the air and fighting tobacco and body odor); and (3) stabilization colors.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles that Cut Harmful UV Radiation

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are metallic particles that are so safe they are even used in cosmetics. These nanoparticles cut UV-A and UV-B by 80% or more. A do-it-yourself version of this product will stand up to repeated washings (and has been proven to maintain effectiveness through 10 washings). By subjecting treated fabric to heat (130° C for 2 minutes), a clothing manufacturer may make these features permanent.

Exposure to UV radiation has increased over the years due to the depletion of the ozone layer. Overexposure to UV rays may lead to skin cancer and cataracts and may weaken the immune system. Sun protective clothing is no longer limited to a few specialty brands from Australia. Today, many major brands have started to offer protection from UV radiation in their summer wear.

Homes that have not treated their window glass with one of the UV cut treatments that are now available have the option of purchasing treated curtains with the capacity to cut UV radiation by 80% or more.

This compound of cutting edge deodorizers includes two important innovations.

Titanium phosphate is a moisture- and air-activated catalyst that oxidizes organic matter that is often the cause of household odors. Titanium phosphate has proven effective against volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, xylene and formaldehyde, as well as toilet odors, pet odors and tobacco odors. Although weaker than traditional sun-activated titanium dioxide, titanium phosphate has the advantage of continuing to break down odors even in the dark.

Improving upon sun-activated titanium dioxide, we have produced a version of ZefirFab™ that is activated by visible light. This advanced, visible-light activated titanium dioxide, permits the product to clear a room of unpleasant odors in as little as 2 – 6 hours. (These results assume the application of 10-20ml per square meter to an average hotel room. Larger rooms or rooms with greater densities of smoke or odor to be cleared may require denser application.)

Phytoncides and Silver Ions

Two further ingredients complement ZefirFab’s™ ability to fight odors. ZefirFab™ includes a combination of dozens of plant oil extracts or phytoncides that provide the feeling of walking in the woods and scavenge free radicals. This mixture of phytoncides has been developed over a 15-year period to eliminate many forms of household odor. Silver ions have a demonstrated anti-bacterial function. Phytoncides are only included in the version of ZefirFab™ used for individual applications in the after market. They are not included in versions that are applied and heated in the manufacturing process.

The UV cut function of ZefirFab™ will help to prevent fading and preserve the fabric’s colors, but if the stability of the colors is not good to begin with, the colors will lose their original brilliance with repeated washings. ZefirFab™, however, will protect the freshness of your colors by using color stability technology for which Japan is well-known.

1. Test Parameteres
   Materials Tested
   • ZefirFab Fabric Treatment
   • ZefirFab Fabric Treatment after 10 washings
   
   
2. Measurement Method
   Deodorizing Test
   

   Test Odors	Hydrogen sulfide (20 ppm)
   (initial concentration)	Ammonia (52 ppm)
   	Formaldehyde (8ppm)
   Test Procedure	Insert a plate (10cm x 10cm) treated with one of the materials into a 2 liter bag. Fill with 2 liters of air containing the odor(s) and leave at room temperature under fluorescent light. After six hours, measure the concentration of the remaining gases by means of a pipe detection method.

   
     Hydrogen Sulfide       Initial Concentration: 20 ppm

   Test Materials (inserted into 2 liter bag)		Concentration after 2 hours	Percentage Deodorized
   Nothing		18	10%
   (1)		0	100%
   (2)		0	100%

   
     Ammonia       Initial Concentration: 50 ppm

   Test Materials (inserted into 2 liter bag)		Concentration after 2 hours	Percentage Deodorized
   Nothing		40	23%
   (1)		0	100%
   (2)		0	100%

   
     Formaldehyde       Initial Concentration: 8 ppm

   Test Materials (inserted into 2 liter bag)		Concentration after 2 or 6 hours	Percentage Deodorized
   Nothing		2 (after 2 hours)	10%
   (1)		0.2 (after 2 hours)	87.5%
   (2)		0.2 (after 2 hours)	97.5%
   Nothing		6.4 (after 6 hours)	20%
   (1)		0.1 (after 6 hours)	98.75%
   (2)		0.1 (after 6 hours)	98.75%

   
   Environmental Firm Finds Zefir Safe

   Zefir is safe. Although you should not swallow it or let it come in contact with your skin. You may find Zefir is a mild irritant to the eyes, nose, mouth or skin. If you experience irritation, you should discontinue using the product. Many of the ingredients in Zefir are also found in cosmetics or even toothpaste. They are common and raise little cause for concern. Each of the Zefir products has been tested for safety and have been found safe. Delphi Labs engaged a nationally-recognized environmental firm to review the toxicological implications of the ingredients in Zefir and received a clean bill of health in the toxicology report that was issued.