Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/08/2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Rhines 125
Categories
Abstract
Clothing is considered one of the most effective protection methods against the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Similar to sunscreens, fabrics can protect the skin by deflecting or absorbing ultraviolet radiation. The level of UV protection is highly dependent on fabric material, color, and construction. Geographical locations that require more sun protection mostly desire comfortable, thin, and light-colored fabrics, which tend to have insufficient UV protection factor (UPF). UPF can be improved by selecting fabric material that is inherently UV-absorbing or by chemically treating fabrics with UV-absorbing or deflecting chemicals.
In this talk, we will discuss these physical and chemical factors that impact UPF. We will also discuss health, safety, and environmental regulations that drive innovation toward improving UV protection of garments utilizing sustainable and nature-inspired technologies.
Bio
S. Piril Ertem, Ph.D.
Director of Functional Materials
Claros Technologies, Inc.
Dr. S. Piril Ertem holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Bogazici University (2009), an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Koc University (2011), and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2016). Her doctoral work, supervised by Prof. Bryan Coughlin, focused on the design and synthesis of ion-conducting polymers, exploring their structure-morphology-property relationships. She expanded her expertise through postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota (2018-2020) under the guidance of professors Tim Lodge, Frank Bates, and Theresa Reineke. Her postdoctoral work concentrated on the solution properties of cellulosic polymers and the catalytic degradation of polyolefins.
In her professional career, Dr. Ertem has worked with polymeric materials for diverse applications, including energy, water filtration, coatings, and healthcare. Currently, she leads R&D efforts for the Functional Materials team at Claros Technologies, where she drives innovations in sustainable chemistry for textile and water filtration applications.