ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the research on antibacterial functionalization of textiles with inorganic nanoparticles by the sonochemical method. Sonochemical reactions are dependent on acoustic cavitation: the formation, growth, and explosive collapse of bubbles in irradiated liquids. Nanotechnology allows textiles to become multifunctional and produce fabrics with special functions—fabrics that provide ultraviolet protection and are antibacterial, easy to clean, water and stain repellent, and antiodor. Special efforts were made to search for green stabilizing agents in order to make the incorporation of silver into textiles an environmentally friendly process. The bubbles created during sonochemical irradiation of the liquid collapse near the surface of the solid substrate. Raman spectroscopy was also used to characterize silver-nylon nanocomposites. Natural wool fibers under proper temperature and humidity are a very good media for the generation and propagation of microorganisms. Antibacterial treatment of natural fibers is of particular interest as it significantly increases their functional performance.
