There are two aspects of antimicrobial protection of the textile
provided by chemical finishes, the protection of the textile user
against pathogenic or odor causing microorganisms (hygiene finishes)
and protection of the textile itself from damage caused by
microorganisms. With the emergence of microorganisms resistant
to multiple antimicrobial agents is an increasing demand for antimicrobial
materials and coatings. This paper is focused on the solution
preparation of silver/zinc oxide composite nanoparticles. Their
photocatalytic activity in water and antimicrobial activity under
UV irradiation were tested as powders and after deposition on cotton
and cotton/polyester blended textile fabrics. All results were
compared to the ZnO commercial nanoparticles used as raw material
in the synthesis of the composite nanoparticles.