A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Aa
Abrasion Resistance
A measure of the pile fiber's ability to withstand wear.
Acid Dyeable Nylon
A modified nylon polymer able to receive acid dyes. Acid dyeable yarns are available in light, medium and deep dye levels.
Adhesives
Any of several chemical compounds used to bond the secondary backing to the carpet. These substances also bond the tufted yarn into the carpet.
Adipic Acid
A base ingredient in the production of Type 6,6 nylon. Adipic acid has a chain of six carbon atoms. It is reacted with hexamethylene diamine (also having six carbon atoms) to polymerize Type 6,6 nylon.
Aesthetics
Properties perceived by touch and sight, such as the hand, color, luster and texture of carpet.
Affinity
A chemical attraction between components that causes them to combine. An example is the affinity of acid dyes for nylon fiber.
Air-Entangling
(also known as intermingling, commingling or heathered): A method of producing yarn by combining two or more BCF fibers together. Fibers are "locked" together via air jets at regular or irregular intervals. Various air-entangling processes exist making it possible to produce a wide range or aesthetics in finished yarns, from highly blended, near solid looks to yarns where individual colors are accented and color separation mimics that of plied yarns.
Amine End Groups
The terminating (-NH2) group of a nylon polymer chain. Amine end groups provide dye sites for nylon (polyamide) fibers.
Antimicrobial
A microbe killing agent applied to carpet.
Antistatic Properties
Resisting the tendency to produce annoying static electric shocks in situations where friction of the foot tread builds up static in low-humidity conditions. Some nylon fibers introduce a conductive filament in the yarn bundle to conduct or dissipate static charges from the human body. Olefin fiber is inherently static-resistant, as it is similar to the surface of most shoe soles (only dissimilar surfaces rub to create a static charge).
There are two basic methods for controlling the buildup of static in nylon carpets:
- Treating the carpet with a topical spray. This is not permanent and creates a tendency for the carpet surface to soil.
- Adding a carbon composite nylon filament into the bundle of yarn to act as a dissipating rod carrying the static charge away from the person generating it.
Atmospheric fading test
A test that indicates a change of shade or hue of dyed fabric caused by a chemical reaction between certain dyes and acid gases. Recommended test methods for carpets (AATCC 129 - Ozone and AATCC 164 - Oxides of Nitrogen) would specify a minimum rating, after two cycles, of no less than International Gray Scale for Color Change rating of 3.
Autoclave
- An oven-like apparatus for use in yarn heatsetting operations. Under pressure in a superheated steam atmosphere, yarn is given a "memory" of its twist. Autoclave heatsetting is a batch, not a continuous, method.
- An pressurized, heated apparatus used for making polymer.
Average Pile Density
See "Density."
Axminster
A weaving method originating in the eighteenth century in Axminster, England. In this method, individual pile tufts are inserted from spools of colored yarns, making possible an almost endless variety of colors and geometric or floral patterns.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
