Carpet Buying Guide-Solution Dyed Nylon

What is a Premium Solution Dyed Nylon (PSDN) Carpet?

Solution Dyed Nylon Carpet refers to how the colour of the carpet yarn is produced.  Solution dyeing involves injection of colour pigment into the nylon polymer while it is in a molten state, so that the colour becomes part of the yarn’s molecular structure. Simply put … it’s like a carrot and a radish.  SDN is like the carrot -  ie the colour  is all the way through.  Space or piece dyeing (as in the case of wool) are like a radish, ie the carpets yarn is white to begin with and then colour is only applied to the outside of the yarn, making it susceptible to fading and at risk of also being lifted during stain removal on this type of carpet.

Benefits of SDN Carpet

Solution Dyed Nylon Carpet (SDN) has precision colour uniformity and is exceptionally colour-fast and fade-resistant.  Dyeing before extrusion and makes the carpet yarn non-porous and therefore incapable of absorbing moisture.  This means that spills and liquid accidents cannot penetrate the fibre, but rather sit on the surface making them easier to remove – hence the term Stainproof carpet.   Because the colour is all the way through, harsh stains can be removed with what would normally be considered aggressive cleaning techniques, without fear of lifting the carpets colour along with the stain.  For example Stubborn stains on Premium Solution Dyed Nylon carpet (PSDN) can be removed with a mixture of 50% Bleach : 50% Water.  (NB:  Not all SDN carpet quality is such that it can sustain this cleaning method, so seek manufacturer’s instructions before attempting!)

In order to get the full benefits from Solution Dyed Nylon  Carpet, it is wise to check that the carpet backing is also solution dyed.  This ensures that it too carries the same stain-resistant qualities as the carpet, ie doesn’t absorb moisture, is resistant to mould and mildew, remains odour-free, and is rot and shrink proof.  The backing on all Premium SDN carpet ranges (PSDN) is also made from Solution Dyed fibre.  (NB: Carpet treatments such as Scotchguard are topical treatments only, and can eventually wear off the outside of the yarn after numerous cleanings.)

Non-Allergenic & Anti-Microbial Qualities

Dust in the air carries germs!  The more dust, the more allergens and contaminants.  PSDN carpet is manufactured from Bulk Continuous Filament Nylon (BCF) and will not shed or fuzz.  To further explain; wool from a sheep can only be produced in a finite length and then it must be joined to another length and so on in order to make a strand of wool suitable for the manufacture of textiles.  Shedding and pilling, which is a huge contributor to dust and allergens, occurs where there is wear and rubbing on these joins.  Because the nylon in PSDN carpet is man-made, it can be produced in lengths without joins (BCF), therefore no shedding or fuzzing will ever occur.  Carpet ranges made from PSDN are also anti-microbial, as they undergoe a unique pre-washing process (EcoWash) which effectively removes natural lubricating oils (used in the carpet manufacturing process), on which microbes may survive.

What should I look for when buying a Solution Dyed Nylon Carpet?

Not all Solution Dyed Nylon carpet is created equal!  Ensure that you are confident that the warranties associated with specific brands match your requirements, eg wear warranty, manufacturing defect warranty, UV Fade warranty, etc.

Premium SDN (PSDN) is manufactured from the finest Nylon which is heat-set to keep the fibre stable in order to withstand the weight of both people and furniture.  This means that it will retain its appearance and resilience for an extremely long time.  An effective test to determine the yarn quality of an SDN carpet, and therefore the quality of its appearance retention, is to rub a small section of carpet between your thumb and forefinger for 10-15 seconds to ensure the nylon polymers do not burst and matt together, always ask what the twists per metre are and as to see documentation PSDN has 280 twists per metre.

 
How Environmentally Friendly is the Manufacture of SDN Carpet?

Not all SDN carpet manufacturers are focused on Environmentally Sustainable manufacture.  If this is important to you, check that the carpet has been manufactured by a reputable company with current ISO14001 & ISO9001 certification.  This international standards qualification focuses on continuous improvements in production and many manufacturers with an environmental conscience engage independent contractors to monitor these improvements.
PSDN carpet ranges are manufactured by a fully certified ISO14001 & 9001 manufacturer.

Suitability

Long gone are the days of cheap and shiny synthetic carpets that squeak when you walk on them!  A good quality SDN carpet will have the look and feel of wool, but afford many more attractive benefits to the modern-day consumer.  Premium SDN (pSDN) carpet is an excellent choice for all traffic areas (residential & commercial) because it is durable, static-free, stain-resistant and fade resistant.

For more information visit: www.irvineinternational.co.nz or call 0800 367 773