An antimicrobial agent is defined as a substance which kills or inhibits the growth of microbial cells. There are two general types of antimicrobial agents: one that kills the microbe is called a microbiocide and one that stops the growth of microbes called a microbiostat [1]. Antimicrobial agents play a vital role in areas such as health care, hospitals, food packaging and storage, water purification, dental care, and household sanitation [2]. Finishing with antimicrobial agents protects the user of a textile material against microbes related to aesthetic, hygienic or medical problems and protects the textile material itself against biodeterioration from mold, mildew and rot-producing fungi. Today there is substantial market for antimicrobial textiles and is increasing rapidly due to consumer awareness and demand for hygienic clothing and active-wear. In 2000, worldwide production of antimicrobial textiles was 100,000 tons and 30,000 tons in Western Europe. Production increased more than 15% a year from 2001 to 2005 in Western Europe [3].
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