Nap to Nylon-Type 6,6

Nn

Nap
Refers to the pile surface of a carpet or rug.

Nonwoven
Any carpet manufactured by a method other than weaving, but particularly those composed of fibers held together by chemical, mechanical, adhesive or fusion means. The term can also be applied to primary backings.

Nylon
A petrochemical-based fiber invented in 1938 by DuPont. There are two basic types of nylon: Type 6,6 nylon and Type 6 nylon. Nylon is produced in bulked continuous filament for use in loop carpets and cut pile carpets; and staple nylon which is spun into yarn for use in cut pile carpets. Nylon is the dominant fiber choice for commercial use due to its wear characteristics.

Nylon flake
Polymer that has been cut into small pieces for storage or for immediate melting in the fiber extrusion process.

Nylon—Type 6
Made from one base ingredient: caprolactam. Compared to Type 6,6 nylon, Type 6 accepts dye at a faster rate. The more open molecular structure of Type 6 nylon allows dye stuffs, and stains, to set in more easily.

Nylon—Type 6,6
Made with two base chemical ingredients: adipic acidand hexamethylenediamine. Type 6,6 nylon has a tighter molecular structure, making it harder, more resilient and more resistant to stains than Type 6. In the U.S., over 60% of all nylon carpets installed are Type 6,6 nylon.

Carpet Industry Terms and Glossary

For your convenience, the following are terms and definitions relating to carpet manufacturing, arranged from A to Z.

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