Components and Molecular Structure
Three major components make up how well a fiber performs.
- Components and molecular structure
- Shape
- Soil, Spot and Stain Resistant Properties
Components and molecular structure
Invista the maker of Stainmaster and Antron branded Nylon Fibers and explains the components and molecular structure this way:
Type 6.6 nylon polymer has a tighter, denser molecular structure with on average stronger, shorter hydrogen bonds than Type 6 nylon.
The stronger the hydrogen bonds, the more heat or mechanical energy required to break them. With a more ordered structure and stronger hydrogen bonding, carpets of Type 6.6 nylon when compared to carpets of Type 6 nylon will have:
- Better texture retention or resistance to matting and crushing and greater resilience/recovery after compression.
- Higher melting point (over 40°C higher) for a substantially greater safety margin for recovery from contact with hot objects.
- Lower permeability and therefore stains will diffuse more slowly into Type 6.6 nylon so there is more time to clean up a spill before it becomes a stain.
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The main components of Nylon 6.6 are Adipic Acid and Hexamethylene, Nylon 6 in made of Caprolactam. In the manufacturing process, the Nylon 6.6 has a tighter molecular structure; the process builds more bridges between the components making it a stronger fiber. It has a higher melting point that also adds resilience and strength.
- Type Nylon 6.6 = 490 – 510F
- Type Nylon 6 = 410 – 428F
- Polyester = 473 – 490F
- Polypropylene = 320 – 347F
Most carpet mills will tell you Nylon out performs Polyester and Polypropylene. Most residential carpet is made with Nylon but we are seeing an increase in Polyester carpet in the residential market. Polyester is less expensive than Nylon so when it is new it looks the same as Nylon. With use, one can quickly see that Polyester flattens out quicker than Nylon.
Cary the Carpet Guy 