 | Patrick Goebel has been involved in the home improvement industry for over 10 years and is currently director of retail flooring of the Flooring & Decorating Division of Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. You may contact Patrick by email at pgoebel@starlumber.com or by phone at (316) 942-2221. |
Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2004-05-01 17:17:00
The carpet forum (continued)
: What is the difference between wool and synthetic fibers? Is one better than the other?
ANSWER: For performance measured over time, wool products are low in cost and high in value. Wool has provided comfort and warmth for thousands of years. When we are surrounded by the natural luxury of pure new wool, its remarkable strength and softness give strong feelings of safety and security. Wool provides us with a personal environment that is health-enhancing because it is a natural fiber. Wool disperses moisture from our skin, provides even warmth and body temperature, resists flame and static electricity and helps to reduce the stressful noise levels that surround us every day. And yet, while we have been living with the qualities of wool throughout the ages, wool is also a fiber for the future. The advantages that wool has as a versatile textile fiber are a result of its complex physical and chemical structure. When one researches this topic, he or she will find that wool is composed of more than 20 amino acids which form long chains, or polymers, of protein. Two different types of cells, the para-cortex and the ortho-cortex, develop into a three-dimensional corkscrew pattern, or helical crimp, of great elasticity. The coiled springs of wool's molecular chains contribute to its resilience. Wool is naturally flame resistant, it is difficult to ignite and has low flame spread and heat release properties. Wool does not melt or drip and has superior self extinguishing properties. Wool has an ability to shed water, yet readily admits water vapor. Microscopic pores of the wool fiber effectively respond to changes in humidity, making wool bedding, carpet and furnishing fabric suitable for every climate. Wool can absorb up to one-third of its own weight in vapor depending on relative humidity. Synthetic fibers absorb considerably less moisture before they begin to feel wet. Wool is resistant to fading and color change during its working lifetime. Because wool is a protein fiber, it has an affinity for acid, basic, reactive and disperse dyes. Dyes chemically bond inside the wool fibers where they hold fast. There are more advanced, synthetic nylon fiber products too, with tight molecular structures to resist stains and soiling and enhanced resiliency to prevent crushing and matting. The particular nylon product I am talking about also has carbon fiber rods in the fiber that give it built in anti-static protection forever. Nylon also accepts dye better than wool allowing more variety and more vibrant colors. This product can also be very soft and durable. Nylon is less costly to produce than wool and the quality is more consistent. A good, high-quality wool is expensive because of all the grading that must occur. So while nature provides a very good resource that has stood the test of time, man has been able to produce a very good and efficient alternative as well.
