Carpet Fiber Type Options
The benefits derived from selecting the right carpet for a specific application are many. Carpet fibers can significantly impact carpet performance and knowing the composition of them can aid in the decision making process. In buying carpet, it is important to understand the various types of carpet fiber and how each clean, mat and crush. Other factors to consider are the fibers resistance to sunlight fading and resistance to carpet stains. The different carpet fiber types have unique characteristics, which are designed to work with various needs. The following are options you might consider when it comes time to purchase new carpeting for your facility.
Natural Fibers
Natural Fibers come from natural material such as plants and animals. Natural fibers are anti-static, non-toxic and colorfast. In addition, the plant material creates healthy indoor humidity levels. Natural fibers are absorbent, meaning stains set quickly and may require longer drying times. Protein fibers are taken from animals or animal by-products; they are dissolved within minutes in chlorine bleach solution, and are naturally flame resistant.
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Wool
Properties
Wool is generally from the fleece of sheep. It is a traditional favorite and is the premier fiber in carpet construction. Wool is typically used in Berber, frieze and plush carpet choices. It has three components: medulla, cortex and cuticle. Wool can be damaged by excessive alkalinity, agitation or dry heat. When using specialty cleaning products, it is important to test for color loss in an inconspicuous location. There are a few different classifications for wool. White wool may yellow in direct sunlight or when exposed to excessive dry heat. Lamb wool is the first fleece sheared from a sheep 8 months old or younger, and is usually softer and finer. Virgin wool is wool that has not been previously processed and pulled wool is the fleece taken from dead animals and often used in manufacture of wool carpet fibers.
Strengths
Wool cleans well, provides beautiful colors and due to its natural crimp, it has good resiliency. Wool is also naturally flame resistant, which makes it a great choice for both residential and commercial construction.
Weaknesses
Wool can be a very costly choice, often twice as much per yard as nylon. It also tends to wear down meaning the pile tends to wear away. Wool requires a high level of maintenance. Since wool can hold 10 times its weight in moisture, it is susceptible to shrinking and mold and mildew growth.
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Cellulosic Fibers
Properties
Cellulosic Fibers come from plant or vegetable matter and are subject to true cellulosic browning. Cellulosic browning is a reddish brown discoloration, caused by over wetting, improper drying and high alkalinity. It is not likely to occur on newer carpet as the fiber has not had a chance to degrade. Correction is usually accomplished with the application of a formulated acid “sour”.
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Cotton Fibers
Properties
Cotton Fibers are taken from the seed hairs of the cotton plant through the process of ginning. For many years cotton was a popular choice for carpeting, but today it is primarily used for area and throw rugs. There are two types of fibers: lints and linters. Linters are shorter and are not used to manufacture carpet or upholstery yarns. Cotton has a hollow core called the lumen and an outer layer called the epidermis.
Strengths
Cotton is very soft and has a natural crimp giving it bulk that helps lock in the twist.
Weaknesses
Cotton is very absorbent meaning spills set in easily. It is subject to browning if cleaned with alkaline solutions and it absorbs moisture making it difficult to keep clean.
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Jute
Properties
Jute is used mostly as a secondary backing on tufted carpet, warp and filling yarns on woven carpet and blended with sisal to make special decorative mats.
Strengths
Jute has good dimensional stability and dry heat resistance.
Weaknesses
Jute may shrink, stink, rot, mold, mildew or brown when wet.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fibers are man made fibers manufactured by one of three spinning methods and are often referred to as extrusion. These fibers can be extruded to be shiny, delustered or anywhere in between based upon the shape of the opening on the spinneret. Synthetic Fibers can be extremely strong and resistant to matting; they absorb little moisture, and are stain resistant and easy to clean. Synthetic fibers naturally attract oils and should be cleaned within a pH less than 10.0. Synthetic carpet fiber burns and melts easily. Due to the manufacturing process, the color choices are limited. Synthetic fibers are not as lush as natural fibers such as wool.
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Nylon
Properties
Nylon is the most popular carpet fiber used today. Various properties of nylon include: it melts at 425 degree Fahrenheit, is dissolved by strong acids such as formic, muriatic and sulfuric and has low soil absorbency. Nylon is most often dyed with acid dyes, but can also be dyed with disperse dyes, or may be solution dyed.
Strengths
Nylon is the most durable of synthetic fibers with excellent performance characteristics. It is easy to find and affordable. Nylon is highly resilient and has good yarn memory to hold twist; it accepts color well and has the ability to be stain resistant when treated. Nylon is the strongest fiber, making it an excellent choice for heavy traffic.
Weaknesses
Nylon is prone to static; however it can be treated with an anti-static treatment to reduce static.
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Olefin
Properties
Olefin, also known as Polypropylene, is the fastest growing fiber segment in use today. It performs well in high traffic areas and it is the least absorbent and can float on water. Olefin fiber is abrasion resistant, but may pack or mat due to low resiliency. In addition, it is sensitive to temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and its melting temperature is 325-335 degree Fahrenheit.
Strengths
Olefin fiber does not fade and is known for holding its color. It has low static electricity levels and superior stain resistance. Because of the dyeing methods, olefin is resistant to bleaching and sunlight fading, making it a great option for indoor and outdoor carpeting.
Weaknesses
Olefin attracts oils making it more difficult to maintain and it has low abrasion resistance and is often subject to friction burns. Olefin has poor resiliency and due to the dye methods, limiting color selection.