Carpet Testing
Carpet Performance Testing
Taber abrasion
(ASTM D 3884)
Taber abrasion: This test is usually performed with what is know as a Taber Abrader. This apparatus evenly wears away the face yarn of the specimen being tested at a uniform rate. The results of this test will be stated in the number of cycles and the percentage of face yarn worn away at specific intervals.
"Dupont" pilling & fuzzing
(TRL-609 severe randowm tumble)
"Dupont" pilling & fuzzing: Carpet flammability test described in federal regualtions DOC FFI-70 and DOC ff2-70. It measures flammability as a function of the size of burn produced by timed burning tablet (Methenamine). Also used on the back of carpet. All carpet sold in the United States must pass DOC FF1-70 flammability test.
Accelerated soiling
(AATCC 123)
Accelerated soiling: Any substance that is foreign to the basic construction or structure of a fabric or surface.
Carpet stiffness
Carpet stiffness: Property of fiber or fabric which resists bending.
Static crush
(ITTS)
Static crush: This test technically known as the Electrostatic Propensity of floor covering materials. The test is conducted by scuffing and stepping a leather or neolite shoe across the carpet and measuring the voltage generated. A number of test are performed and an average is derived. This test is usually stated in the number of volts or the number of kilovolts. Since one (1) kilovolt is equivalent to 1,000 volts a rating of 3,500 volts and a rating of 3.5 kilovolts would actually be the same rating. It is also worthy of note that 3.5 kilovolts is considered to be the threshold of human sensitivity, but differs slightly among people.
Wyzenbeek wear resistance
(ASTM D 4157)
Moisture penetration due to spillage
(ITTS)
Moisture penetration due to spillage: water added to the dry cleaning solvent to help remove water soluble soils. Becomes dispersed in the solvent in fine globules. Excessive use causes shrinkage and wrinkling of fabrics.
Tensile strength
(ASTM D 2426)
Tensile strength: The greatest stretching force a yarn, fabric or carpet can bear without breaking. High tensile strength means strong yarns or fabrics.
Carpet pile density
(HUD/FHA)
Carpet pile density: Closeness of pile yarn: amount of pile packed into a given area of carpet, usually measured in ounces per square yard.
Tear strength
(ASTM D 2261)
Tear strength:
Latex bundle penetration
Latex bundle penetration: Yarn is removed from the primary and secondary backings and inspected under a microscope to determine how much latex penetrated the yarn bundle that exists beneath the primary backing. The results are stated as a percentage of latex penetration. A generally acceptable level is about 85%. Latex penetration determines the tuft bind of the carpet.
Dry Breaking Strength
Dry Breaking Strength: Property of a fabric which allows resistance to rupture from evenly applied pressure. Expressed in pounds of force per one inch in both warp and weft.
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