Cu(II) complex bamboo pulp fabric (CBPF) was prepared by treating bamboo pulp fabric with the copper liquor. Washing fastness and the releases of Cu(II) were measured by the washing test. Antibacterial performance of CBPF against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. The morphology of Cu(II) on the fiber surface was characterized with scanning electron microscope. FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry were used to detect the chemical bonding between Cu(II) and cellulose. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and mechanical test were used to investigate the effect of Cu(II) on the crystallinity, thermal stability, and mechanical property of bamboo fabric. The results showed that Cu(II) ion was bonded to fiber surface, especially via forming metal complex with hydroxyl of cellulose, and the resultant complex CBPF demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity and good thermal stability. In comparison with those of the bamboo pulp fabric in the condition that mechanical properties have no significant change, the crystallinity was decreased from 44.8% to 40.5% after treatment. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 1843-1850, 2010