Synthetic Fiber Carpet

"Why Should I Choose Carpet Made Of Synthetic Fibers?...."

There are a number of synthetic fibers that are used in the manufacture of modern carpet.  Each type has distinct characteristics, as well as advantages and disadvantages of use.

Nylon

First introduced in 1938 by the DuPont Chemical Company, nylon became the first ever-synthetic fiber to be used in the manufacture of carpet. 

As with any new product, the debut of nylon carpet was fraught with issues, the main one being staining problems.  By the fourth generation of nylon carpet, a stain resistant coating became standard.

This, and nylon's ability to repel water and oil spills, propelled nylon carpet into the top of the market.

After some more tweaking, the fifth generation of DuPont nylon was better than ever.  It boasted a stain-resistant fiber that would repel most any dye stain, if cleaned in a reasonable amount of time. 

Nylon is more accurately referred to as an "acid dye blocking" fiber, because it does not allow the acid in dyes to penetrate the surface of the fiber.

To determine whether a nylon carpet has had an acid-blocking coating applied to it,  you can conduct a simple test.  Cut a few fibers from a non-visible area of the carpet. 

Immerse the fibers in a liquid such as grape juice or red kool-aid for five minutes.  Remove the fibers, and flush them with a neutral detergent solution.  If an acid blocker has been applied, the fibers should come clean relatively easily.

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Polyester

First introduced into the garment industry in the 1950's, polyester became a fiber used in the face yarn of carpet in the late 1960's. 

Polyester carpet is similar in appearance and feel to nylon carpet, although it is less resilient.  Polyester carpet does not absorb water spills, and is therefore mildew resistant. 

Polyester carpet is also non-allergenic.  It differs from nylon in that it will absorb oil-based stains.

Acrylic/modacrylic

Used in carpet yarns between 1940 and 1988, acrylic/modacrylic disappeared from the market for a couple of years, squeezed out by other types of fibers. 

Reintroduced in 1990, they comprised the fibers that made up Berber carpet.  Acrylic/modacrylic appears similar to wool, but is much more spot resistant, resulting in a popular look, and an appealing quality.

Olefin

This is the most recent of the synthetic fibers to be used in the making of carpet.  Olefin is used not only in carpet yarn, but also as the primary and secondary backing of tufted carpets.

Each type of synthetic fiber plays an important role in carpet making...

 Add the elegance of new carpet to your home...
        Bob and Tammy Sedona
       Carpet & Rug Specialist
 

Synthetic-Fiber Carpet