Carpet Fiber Identification
The most common way for professionals to identify carpet is through a burn test. Here is a highlighted steps to take to help identify the construction of most carpeting.
Odor- After burning a fiber smell the smoke after the flame goes out. Man made synthetics can be difficult to tell but natural fibers will have a very distinctive odor.
-Wool smells the same as burning hair
-Plant based smells like burning a piece of paper
Chemical tests can be accurate but impractical. Carrying the chemicals can be dangerous and impractical. Nylon needs formic acid and wool dissolves in chlorine bleach but may take 5-10 minutes. Olefin can be tested with water as it will float.
Some common Characteristics
Nylon- blue flame with orange tip
Wool- smells like hair
Plant based- smolders
Polyester- reminds you of burning plastic, turns into hard shiny ball
Olefin berber floats in water
Carpet Fiber Identification
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