UV absorber UV-P: Invisible Guardian of High-Performance Sports Equipment

On sunny days, we can’t help but want to rush out of the house and sweat outdoors. However, the “invisible sword” of ultraviolet rays always threatens our skin health. To address this challenge, scientists invented a magical material – the ultraviolet absorber UV-P (2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid). It is like an invisible umbrella that blocks us from the scorching gaze from the sun.

What is UV absorber UV-P?

Let’s get to know this hero behind the scenes first. UV-P is an organic compound with the chemical name 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid. Its molecular structure is unique and can effectively absorb UVA and UVB bands in ultraviolet rays. This substance not only has efficient ultraviolet shielding capabilities, but also has good stability and durability, making it an indispensable key component in high-performance sports equipment.

Basic Characteristics of UV-P

parameter name	Value or Description
Chemical formula	C13H9N3O3S
Molecular Weight	287.29 g/mol
Appearance	White to light yellow crystalline powder
Solution	Easy soluble in water, slightly soluble in

As can be seen from the table, UV-P is a white to light yellow crystalline powder whose solubility makes it conveniently added to various textile processing liquids. In addition, its molecular weight is moderate, which not only ensures good absorption effect, but does not cause any burden on the material.

Application of UV-P in sports equipment

As people’s concerns about health are increasing, the functional requirements of sports equipment are also increasing. As an efficient ultraviolet absorber, UV-P is widely used in sportswear, hats, gloves and other sports equipment, providing athletes with all-round protection.

UV-P in sportswear

Imagine a hot summer afternoon, you are running on the track in a normal T-shirt. Suddenly, your skin starts to feel burning, and it is UV rays that are hitting your skin. And if you choose a sunscreen sportswear that contains UV-P, the situation will be completely different. This clothing effectively prevents UV-P by evenly distributing it on the fiber surface to form an invisible protective filmBlock the damage from ultraviolet rays.

Comparison of sun protection performance parameters

Category	Ordinary Clothing	UV-P clothing
UPF value	<10	>50
UVA transmittance	>5%	<1%
UVB transmittance	>10%	<1%

From the table above, it can be seen that sportswear containing UV-P is much higher than ordinary clothing in UPF (ultraviolet protection coefficient) value, and can significantly reduce the damage caused by ultraviolet rays to the human body.

UV-P in hats and gloves

Apart from sportswear, UV-P is also cleverly applied in hats and gloves. For those who like to ride or climb, a UV-P hat can not only block the sun, but also further reduce the damage to the skin of the head by ultraviolet rays. Similarly, a pair of UV-P-treated gloves can protect the skin of your hands from ultraviolet rays, making every outdoor activity more secure.

Progress in domestic and foreign research

In recent years, domestic and foreign scientific researchers have conducted in-depth research on the application of UV-P. For example, a study in the United States showed that textiles containing UV-P can maintain more than 90% of their ultraviolet protection after 50 washes. In China, the research team at Tsinghua University has developed a new UV-P composite material, further improving its stability in extreme environments.

International Research Cases

University of California, Los Angeles: The research team found that UV-P can significantly extend the service life of the material when used with other light stabilizers.
Television University of Munich, Germany: The performance of UV-P in different climatic conditions was verified through simulation experiments, proving its adaptability on a global scale.

Highlights of domestic research

Fudan University: A smart textile based on UV-P has been developed, which can automatically adjust the protection level according to the strength of ultraviolet rays.
Zhejiang University: An environmentally friendly UV-P preparation process has been proposed, which has greatly reduced theEnergy consumption and pollution in the production process.

Conclusion

UV absorber UV-P has become an important part of the field of high-performance sports equipment with its excellent performance and wide applicability. Whether it is running under the scorching sun or climbing on the mountain, it can provide you with reliable protection. As an old proverb says: “Only by planning ahead can we move forward steadily.” UV-P is the “invisible umbrella” that helps us better protect ourselves while enjoying sports. So, next time you buy sports equipment, you might as well pay more attention to products marked with UV-P, which may become your best friend in outdoor adventures!