Carpet Fibers

WHICH CARPET FIBER IS BEST FOR ME?

> Wool (protein fibers)

PROS

• Excellent soil hiding capabilities.

• Very strong, elastic and resilient.

• Excellent insulator.

• Good absorbency.

• Soil release.

• Flame retardant.

• The cleaning wool Bureau recommends water-based cleaning solutions with a Ph between 4.5 and 8.5.

Quick Links:

Wool

Nylon

Polyester

Olefin

Silk

Cotton

Sisal / Jute

Acrylic

Rayon

Definitions

CONS

• Very expensive.

• Prone to distortion especially under heated conditions.

• Stains easily.

• Chemical sensitive (strong detergents).

• Staple yarn, can cause a fussing effect.

> Nylon (1st- 5th generation)

PROS

• Excellent strength

• Good elasticity.

• Very abrasion resistant.

• Static resistant.

• Heat sets well.

• Good resiliency.

• Non-absorbent.

• Mildew resistant.

CONS

• Easy staining.

• Problems with bleaching, urine, and fading.

> Polyester

PROS

• Disperse dye or solution dye.

• Very heat resistant (up to 480-550 degrees).

• Stain resistant.

• By-product from plastic bottle recycling (some cases).

• Low absorbency.

• Soft hand.

CONS

• Limits the variety of colors.

• Not resistant to oily stains.

• Crimp or twist loss (which can cause matting and tangling).

> Olefin (like burbur)

PROS

• Good for outdoor applications.

• Very moisture resistant.

• Chemical resistant.

• Resistant to fading.

• Lightweight.

• Strong.

• Good clean ability and stain release.

CONS

• Not a resilient fiber (mats).

• Very heat sensitive fiber (friction can cause permanent marks).

• Exposure to oils may become permanent.

• Very difficult to die.

• May scratch in walkways causing visual distortions.

> Silk ( Protein fibers)

PROS

• Stronger then a similar filament of steel.

• Stretches up to 20% of its length but retracts 2%.

• Good insulating capabilities.

• Resist temperatures up to 330 degrees.

CONS

• Sensitive to alkalinity and chlorine bleach.

• Rarely used and highly expensive.

> Cotton ( Cellulose Fibers)

PROS

• Very strong and increases when wet.

• Cotton is very absorbent means good dye acceptance.

• Static resistant.

• Heat resistant.

CONS

• Very Absorbent means slow drying.

• Easily stained.

• Natural fibers are food sources for mildew.

• Highly flammable.

• Prone to shrinkage.

• Browning takes place (wicking to the surface after cleaning).

> Sisal / Jute cellulose fibers

PROS

• Strong and elastic

• Generally inexpensive.

• Imparts dimensional stability to carpets as a backing.

CONS

• Prone to shrinkage.

• Alkaline sensitive (some detergents).

• Flammable.

• Susceptible to mildew damage.

> Acrylic

PROS

• Have wool-like properties.

• Improves on wool in strength and is lighter in weight.

• Solution dyed.

• Good clean ability and stain release.

CONS

• Resistance (scratches and other physical damage show)

• Poor resiliency.

• Sensitive to alkaline chemicals.

> Rayon (cellulose fiber)

PROS

• Easily dyed.

• Mildew resistant.

• The appearance of rayon resembles silk.

CONS

• Neither resilient nor strong.

• Stains easily.

• May bleed during cleaning.

DEFINITIONS:

Protein fibers – Those coming from animals (wool and silk).

Cellulosic fibers – Those coming from plants (cotton, jute / sisal).

Nylon (1st generation) – transparent, round fiber that magnified dirt appearing more soiled then it actually was.

(2nd generation) – New shapes to refract light and eliminate the apparent soiling.

(3rd generation) – A carbon core was added to reduce static electricity.

(4th generation) – Fluorochemical coating to increase surface tension, Also to repel dry soils.

(5th generation) – Acid dye resistor (fills any unused dye site and makes it more difficult to stain a fiber. Resisting acid-base dyes is found in colored beverages.