Carpet Fiber Identification
The only proper method of carpet fiber identification is the tried and true approach, often overlooked, but never forgotten. The following chart will guide you through and help you sort out a few areas of confusion.
| The Burn Chart | ||||
| Fiber | Action | Color | Special Note | Odor |
| Wool | Burns | Orange | Self extinguishes | Hair |
| Silk | Burns | Orange | Self extinguishes | Feathers |
| Nylon | Melts | Blue/Orange | Celery | |
| Olefin | Melts | Blue/Orange | Asphalt/Tar | |
| Polyester | Melts | Orange | Dense Black Smoke | Sweet/Fruity |
| Acrylic | Melts | Orange | Harsh/Acrid | |
| Fiber Characteristics Chart | ||||
| Fiber | Type | Ad/Ab | pH ** | Dissolves in |
| Wool | Natural | Absorbent | 5.0 - 5.8 | Chlorine Bleach |
| Silk | Natural | Absorbent | 5.0 - 5.8 | Chlorine Bleach |
| Nylon | Synthetic | Absorbent | 1.5 - 13 | Hydrochloric Acid |
| Stain Resistant Nylon | Synthetic | Absorbent* | Under 10 | Hydrochloric Acid |
| Olefin | Synthetic | Absorbent | 1.5 - 13 | |
| Polyester | Synthetic | Absorbent | Under 10 | |
| Acrylic | Synthetic | Absorbent | Under 10 | |
| * May act like an adsorbent fiber ** Always pre-test all products prior to using | ||||
| Carpet Fiber Statistics | ||
| Fiber | Ease Of Removal | % Of Today's Manufactured |
| Wool | Good | 1% |
| Nylon (Regular) | Fair | 73% |
| Nylon (Stain Resistant) | Very Good | 73% |
| Polypropylene | Excellent | 17% |
| Polyester | Very Good | 9% |