USE OF SILVER-LOADED ZEOLITES IN THE ANTIBACTERIAL FINISHING OF COTTON FABRICS

Zeolite is a valuable natural mineral whose usage area has been increasing each passing day having unique features. Having antibacterial,antifungal and antiviral properties, silver has been safely used for many years in many areas . An antibacterial zeolite can be obtained binding silver ions to zeolite by the ion exchange method. Natural zeolites are pretty good carriers for silver ions, and offer several advantages. In this study, the characteristics of cotton fabrics appliqued by silver-exchanged antibacterial zeolites were investigated.