Floor and Floor Treatments

Floor And Floor Treatments 3 (1+2)

Lesson :13 Fibers used in floor covering and their qualities

Classification of fibers

Wool:

Wool is generally considered to be a superior fiber for carpets, because of their warmth, pile effect, softness. Wool is also resilient, durable and color-fast. It is one of the most versatile fibers, sturdy, durable and flame retardant. The best wool for carpeting comes from sheep that are raised in the colder climate. Although wool has a propensity for high static generation, it can be treated with static protection treatment. Wool retains color for the life of the carpet even with wear and cleanings. Wool has good soil resistance because of its high moisture content and excellent pile resilience. Wool blends usually 80% wool and 20 % nylon. However wool will stain and bleach in reaction to some spills and is not as easy to clean nylon. Wool is naturally flame resistance forming a char that will neither melt nor drip. Synthetic blended wool is easier to clean. It has a wide range of uses and it is used for thick and course carpets. It dyes exceedingly well. Wool yarn is generally a blend of various types to achieve a luxurious natural texture. A good wool carpet with sufficient density is expensive. A good quality woolen carpet is excellent for long hard ware, and good appearance.

Cotton:

Cotton fiber is rarely used for carpets because it has only fair resistance to wear. It soils easily and looses its appearance rapidly and likely to fade. But, only advantage is that it can be washed easily. Cotton fiber is soft and crushable. However cotton is used mostly in cheaper rugs now-a-days.