|
An alternative to high cost quality furnishing is the economical coir and jute matting as floor coverings. They are of  flat woven carpets made on looms they have no pile and inexpensive and intended for casual use. Coir and jute matting carpets are made from coconut husk; the fibrous center covering of the coconut husk, the coir fibre is natural, bio-degradable and environment friendly. It is tough and durable, versatile and resilient, resistant to flame and fungi, provides insulation and helps sound modulation. The same applies to jute but coir is long lasting, while jute has a tendency to fade and wear out towards the edges. Coir, however, is a coarser material.
Traditionally, the coconut husks are wetted in salt water for a period of 6-9 months, and then beaten with wooden mallets to extract the fiber from the coir pith, which is dried thoroughly, then dyed and bleached as required, for the weaving of carpets and other products.
The traditional natural shades have now yielded an exotic array of colors which makes coir and jute an exciting and affordable alternative for covering floors.
Coir and jute floor products range from doormats to wall-to-wall matting rolls, matting tiles and rubberized coir.
Doormats:The ubiquitous doormats are made in a variety of ways: low pile, brush mats, mesh mats, rope mats, loop mats, matting of different colors and designs made or cut to mat sizes.
Area rugs: Available in customs sizes from 3’x5’ to 10’x12’ larger. (Detail information is given in chapter 12)
Knitted carpet. In knitted carpet, the pile yarns and backing yarns are interlaced together In a series of connected loops. An additional backing may be added to produce a more stable carpet. Usually knitted carpets are produced in solid colors or tweedy effects, although a variety of patterns and textures is possible.
Needle-punched carpet. These carpets are made by a process that compacts and mechanically interlocks fiber  batts to form a felt-like surface. Normally latex is added to the back. Much of this type of carpet is used for outdoor installations
Flocked Carpet. In flocked carpet, the synthetic fibers are electronically deposited on soft adhesive that is applied to a woven back. The adhesive is hardened after the fibers are firmly embedded. The surface is a single-height, level-cut pile. Backings:
A tufted carpet has a primary backing into which needles stitch the yarns. The polypropylene back is either woven or non woven fabric. A thick layer of latex (a milky adhesive) is applied to the underside of the back and then a secondary backing, usually jute, is bonded to the prime backing for additional strength. The secondary backing also gives the carpet dimensional stability, so that it resists stretching from usage. Foam back, from 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick, may be added to the primary back to serve as a self-cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding. Padding:
When comfort and luxury are sought, a resilient padding is required. If properly mated to the carpet and its backing, padding can prolong the carpet's life by softening the intensity of abrasive wear. Padding or cushioning also provide extra insulation against extremes of cold and heat and add an extra sound-absorbing layer.
The materials of padding include Polyurethane foam, Bonded polyurethane and fiber padding.
|
Participants