Synthetic Fibers as Carpeting Material: Brief Histories
Four synthetic carpet materials are highlighted here. They are: nylon,
polyester, acrylic/modacrylic and olefin. Developments leading to their adoption
as mainstream carpeting fiber are outlined, as are their distinctive features.
Nylon Fiber
After being introduced by the DuPont Chemical Co. in 1938, nylon fiber went
through several stages of development until it became the first synthetic yarn
used by the whole carpeting industry.
Many problems were encountered during the first three generations of this
material. Staining was the most pressing concern. By the fourth generation, most
of the carpeting staining problems had been solved through the application of
coating by a mill. Nylon became a top selling carpet yarn on account of
repellent properties that made it resistant to spills that were water- and
oil-based.
The fifth generation nylon fiber introduced by DuPont was even more stain
resistant. It was able to repel most dye stains when treated in a timely manner.
References to nylon fiber as an acid dye blocker are actually accurate since it
protects itself from being penetrated and stained by acid dyes. An applied
protective coating over the nylon fiber fills areas where the dyes are located
with anionic molecules.
Here’s a way to test carpet fiber for the presence of a fluorochemical. Nick a
few strands from a carpet’s non-traffic area and place a few drops of a mixture
of water and oil on them. If beading up takes place, an active fluorochemical is
present.
To test for the presence of an acid dye blocker, take a few strands from a
non-traffic area of the carpet as described earlier, and dip the fibers in a red
Kool-Aid mixture. After about five minutes, wash the fiber with a neutral
detergent solution. If no discoloration has taken place, then active acid
blockers are present.
Polyester Fiber
Polyester fiber first appeared in the garments industry in the 1950s, then made
its way into carpeting as a face yarn by late 1960s. Polyester looks and feels
like nylon, but it is not as resilient. It resists spills that are water-based,
but absorbs those that are oil-based. Kool-Aid and urine don’t have any
significant effect on it.
Acrylic/Modacrylic Fiber
These fibers disappeared and made comebacks over five decades. They were used as
carpet yarns for the first time in the late 1940s, but disappeared in 1988 after
being booted out by competing fibers. It was not until around 1990 that acrylic/modacrylic
fiber resurfaced as part of Berber styling.
Features that make these fibers attractive include their great resemblance to
wool in appearance, their hand feel, and their resistance to spots. They are
also easy to clean and are not damaged the ways that wools are.
Olefin Fiber
Olefin is the most recent addition to the lineup of synthetic fibers used in
carpets. It used to be available only as a continuous filament. Now it is found
in staple form as well. Olefin’s many uses include functioning as primary and
secondary backing of tufted carpets and warp yarns. |
