Kozlowski and Walentowska ID #65 2008 International Conference on Flax and Other Bast Plants (ISBN #978-0-9809664-0-4) 326 Role of Biocides from Plant Origin in Protection of Natural Fibers against

This paper presents the results of experiments done to raise the resistance of natural fibre to the action of fungi and bacteria. The research was carried out on linen-cotton blended fabric protected by biocides from plant origin. New areas of application of these natural fibres i.e. for acoustics, thermal insulation in building and transport bring about new challenges: fungal and bacterial resistance. Aforementioned material was tested for action of fungal species that most often cause decomposition of cellulose in high humidity conditions. Fabric resistance evaluation was done by determining the degree of fungi growth (visually) and loss of breaking force. Moreover evaluation of antibacterial properties of treated linen-cotton blended fabric against bacterial species present on human skin was done using a qualitative method in the presence of synthetic sweat