 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Polypropylene or olefin fibers are very inexpensive and yet have reasonable durability, making them an attractive choice for many people in the market for new carpet at a low cost. Olefin is the weakest of all synthetic carpet fibers. However, it is a good choice for some types of carpet, such as Berbers. It is very attractive for indoor/outdoor carpet because it is inexpensive and moisture and chemical resistant. Therefore, it is easy to keep clean and dry. It can stand up to steam cleaning and so it is often the first choice for people looking for ease of maintenance. It is best used in a tightly looped type of carpet, rather than a plush carpet that is more likely to lose its shape. The disadvantage of using polypropylene/olefin fiber for carpeting is that it is not as nice looking as other fibers. If you are choosing a carpet with functionality and price in mind, you will want to head directly to the olefin carpets. Unfortunately, it will not be the most attractive carpet in the store. It is the cheapest fiber, but that does not necessarily make it the best value. Remember that the method of carpet manufacturing also affects the durability, look, and value of carpet of any fiber. Some manufacturers are able to produce a decent carpet with olefin. If you find it important to shop with the environment in mind, this is not the carpet for you. It is man-made with a petroleum base. Like many other carpets resulting from a polymerization process, this synthetic fiber is not ‘green’. Olefin fibers are produced synthetically from a long-chain polymer (repeating molecule) with characteristic chemical properties. They are produced by a reaction of propylene and ethylene. The production of usable fibers is achieved under specific conditions that produce the desired results for the type of fiber being produced. The colorfastness of olefin can be attributed to the fact that the fibers must be colored during manufacturing by adding dye during the production process, rather than adding a dye as an end step. The exact properties of the carpet produced can be altered by using different processing techniques. In general, you can count on olefin to be resistant to fading and mildew. Steer clear of plush carpets and stick with tightly looped types that are less likely to flatten out. |
|
Nylon
|