Abstract
Attempts were made to enhance the antibacterial properties of the cotton fabrics via pre-crosslinking with trimethylol melamine followed by subsequent treatment with iodine ((sic)NH and (sic)NI) solution to create new active sites. The treated fabric shows the ability to inhibit as well as to arrest the growth of both of the bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial activity is determined by the degree of modification, the extent of iodine retention, as well as the ease of iodine liberation. Repeated laundering-recharging cycle could fully bring back the antibacterial functions of the finished cotton fabrics.