Yellowing of All Types
This report has yellowing problems from stain resist, light reflections, and atmospheric conditions. It is a long report.
TYPE OF INSTALLATION: Residential
DATE INSTALLED: 7/3/91
P. O. #:
–––––
CUSHION: 3/8 inch Rebond
DENSITY:
AREA INSTALLED: Living Room, Den,
3-Bedrooms.
CRI 104/105 FOLLOWED: Yes
METHOD: Stretch-In
SUBFLOOR: Concrete
USE & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
LITERATURE RECEIVED WITH PURCHASE:No
ADULTS: 2 CHILDREN: 1 PETS: 1
TYPE OF PET(s): Cat(s)
VACUUM TYPE: Upright
FREQUENCY: Daily
TYPE OF LITERATURE:
ENTRY MATS: Yes
CONDITION of CARPET: Very Good
HEATING TYPE: Central Force Air Gas
COOLING TYPE: Central - Electric
CLEANING: Professional - Shampoo/Steam TYPE OF CHEMICAL: Alkaline/Anionic Surfactant
TOPICAL TREATMENTS APPLIED: S001 FOLLOWED:
PROBLEM REPORTED
The carpet in question has developed various stains.
CONDITION DOCUMENTED
The same as reported.
THE REPORT
Geographical Background Information
This free standing house is located in an upper middle class neighborhood in the
Southern part of Coastal Orange County. It is approximately nine miles from the Pacific
Ocean. The condition of the house and the maintenance are excellent.
THE CLAIM HISTORY
The carpet in question was cleaned for the first time by the commissioner on
August 15, 1994. The drying time was reportedly 18 to 24 hours. This cleaning procedure
included applying a prespray called Super Jet Clean by Maintex Chemical, (818-961-1988),
that had a measured pH of 11.1. The extraction solution used was by Orange Coast Chemical,
telephone number 714-531-3570. Their product is called StainPro-Plus and its pH measured
9.1 in the solution tank of the commissioner. The final pH of this product was not
measured, but would be lower due to dilution with water. The claimant reported that she
ran her air conditioner during the cleaning and later opened the windows. The claimant
also reported that she runs the air conditioner or central heat very little due to the
pleasant weather of Southern California. However, it was reported that the carpet was
cleaned on a hot day.
Some discoloring occurred after this cleaning so a second cleaning was made using no
prespray but using the same extraction solution. Maintex Haitian Cotton Shampoo was used
as a spotting agent. Little or no improvement was made after this cleaning. A third
attempt was made to correct the discoloring using the shampoo method and Maintex Haitian
Cotton Shampoo.
The claimant reported that the carpet has been susceptible to spots and stains since she
purchased the carpet. Her maintenance has included four to five vacuuming a week. She
reportedly has used a spot cleaner by Tonka Mills, P. O. Box 249, Bonigacius, New Mexico
55375, called Nylac.
OBSERVATIONS
The carpet in question was purchased from the installer mentioned above. This
company is now defunct. No information about the manufacturer of the carpet or the face
yarn was given in any of the paper work that was given to the claimant. An inspection of
the carpet backing revealed an MEA number 73744 which Shaw Industries recognized as
belonging to their own Philadelphia Carpet. The carpet in the living-room is different
from the rest of the house. It is solid white. The rest of the carpet is white with
speckles and with spots of brown and gray. These brown and gray yarns are brown and gray
fibers that have been wound with white fibers into single yarns. The carpet’s face
yarns are made by Allied Chemical according to Philadelphia Carpet. The brand name of the
face yarn is Anso®. This nylon fiber has a fluorochemical treatment that was applied by
Philadelphia. The fluorochemical treatment is reported to be by the 3-M Company and
carries the name Scotch Guard®. This carpet was also reported by Philadelphia to have a
five year stain resist warranty according to a Philadelphia supervisor.
The hand of the carpet is fairly soft. This would indicate that there is no harsh alkaline
residue. Such residues would be typical of silicate salts used as builders in some
detergents. According to the MSDS of StainPro-Plus there are no silicates in their
product.
The spots are large and irregular, having a slight yellow hue. The spots are very faint
and do not capture well on film. They are in every room except the spare bedroom and the
hallway. In the livingroom, the yellowing is located closer to the north and west windows.
In the den where there is a large skylight in the ceiling, the stains are more intense.
However, these stains nearly disappear on film as seen in photograph number 12.
The yellowing in the boy’s bedroom is not located near the south window, but is in
the traffic lanes. Some of the face yarns in the boy’s room have risen above the
plane and have bloomed.
Although the yellow does not seem to be just at the tips of the yarns, it is very
difficult to see a definite edge of the staining. With the help of the claimant it was
observed that the yellow may exist on one third or one half of the way down the yarn.
The yellowing is not located underneath the furniture and other objects as noted in
photograph number 13. The spot in photograph number 13 is located in the living room. A
yellow ring conforms to the other edge of an indoor plant holder. The inside hue is whiter
and is lighter than the surrounding carpet. It also matches the hue of a remnant that has
been stored in plastic. According to the claimant, another remnant that was folded had
turned yellow on the section that was exposed to the air. The section that was not exposed
had the same lighter/whiter hue. The claimant also confirmed another observation in the
master bedroom. Underneath a plastic chair pad platform the carpet had the same whiter
hue. This plastic platform is a standard office type covering designed for desk chairs.
The carpet in this corner of the living room was also pulled back as seen in photograph
number 14. The tackless strip in this area is not stable. It was also discolored and there
appeared to be rust stains on the carpet’s backing. Plant and sprinkler systems are
located on the outside directly beyond this point.
TESTING
The temperature on the day of the inspection was 72.9°F. and the relative
humidity was 68% This combination is considered comfortable.
An inspector’s lamp equip with a 100 watt high intensive bulb for photo purposes was
shone throughout the installation. With the high intensity light the yellow hue of the
stains diminished, but did not disappear in the living room and den. In the boy’s
bedroom they were more intense.
An ultra-violet light was also shone throughout the installation and the carpet as a whole
had a slight blue hue. Some lavender highly intense spots were observed in the living room
and den and master bedroom. These spots varied from the size of a coin to one and a half
feet in diameter. Some of the spots were circular or half moon while most of the spots had
well-defined edges.
Numerous pH tests were taken using a pHep + Pen by Hanna®. This device is accurate to ±
0.1 and was calibrated with a laboratory testing solution immediately before these tests
were made. The test results were as follows:
LIVING ROOM
6.3 6.3 6.2 5.3
6.9
DEN
6.1 6.2 6.3 6.5
6.8
MASTER BEDROOM
6.9 6.9 6.9 6.9
6.9
BOY’S ROOM
8.5 7.3 7.3 7.1
8.0
The yellow stains had the higher pHs The pH 8.5 was one of the more intense yellow stains.
Applying moisture to the carpet revealed no soapy residue.
An acid tannin solution from Ramsey Chemical was applied on two of the yellow spots, as
seen in photographs number 11 and 12. With this chemical, the pH dropped down to 1.9 and
had little effect on the yellowing. The result of this test can be contrasted on
photographs two and nine of the same spot.
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution was applied to the yellow stains. This test did not change
the intensity of the yellow hue to any noticeable degree at all.
A dilute solution of sodium bi-sulfite was applied to the yellow spot in a nook that is
off the living room seen in photograph 13. This solution had strong observable effect on
the yellowing. The yellow hue diminished to the point of not being noticeable.
A DuPont® Stain Resist Test was performed to determine the type of nylon installed. This
test involves soaking five yarns taken randomly from the carpet in a red dye solution. The
yarns took a deep stain. The same test was also performed on a remnant of the same carpet.
The results of this test were slightly better than the first test. At the time of the
inspection it was not known what generation nylon the face was from. That was the reason
for the test.
Sodium bi-sulfite is an acid, oxygen reducing agent that does not usually have an effect
on dyes, but can destroy some stains such as coffee, tea, urine, water rings and cellulose
browning problems. It reverses oxidation. It did have a highly notable effect on this
carpet’s yellowing problems.
THE ISSUE
The question that I have been asked to address is: what caused the yellowing?
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE ISSUE
Definitions for the purpose of understanding this report are as follows and are
given by the IICRC S001-1994 Standards for Carpet Cleaning.
browning - A yellow red or brownish discoloration formed when cellulose, particularly jute
with a high lignin content (24%), is degraded in the presence of moisture. Browning is
aggravated by age, alkalinity, and prolonged drying.
dye blocker - Compounds that block dye sites on nylon fibers to prevent staining by acid
dyes. (see "acid dye blocker")
fabric protector - Materials that enhance the performance of fibers or fabrics, especially
In the area of soil/stain repellency.
fifth-generation fiber -see "stain-resist carpet" and "generation”
generation - An informal reference to the stages of development for nylon carpet fibers
1st - early nylons
2nd - modified cross-section for soil hiding
3rd - 2nd generation plus antistatic properties
4th - 3rd generation plus fluorochemical soil/stain repellent
5th - 4th generation plus acid dye blocker treatment
stain-resist carpet - Nylon carpet, such as Stainmaster CM, Wear Dated CM or Worry FreeTM,
which resists staining by most common household foods and beverages containing acid dyes.
stain - the result in a material adding color (without texture) to a fabric or surface in
a non-technical context. the term "stain" is often applied to discolorations, or
color removal from fabrics. as well.
yellowing - A carpet condition that result from one of several possible sources, to
include: dye loss, fume fading, general soiling, oil tracking, oxidation, stain-resist
degradation, etc.
The unknown spot is defined by West & Williams Flooring Covering Dictionary by the
following definition. Spots can be caused by a number of things. If the spot was not
present when the carpet was installed, there is a 99 + 1 change that it was caused by
spillage, tracking or some local agent. It could be related to something the installer
used or product found in the home. Spots do not “appear” for some unknown reason
after installation. If they have a pattern, they may be related to the manufacturing of
the carpet. If they are randomly spaced, they are caused locally.
There is a condition that is referred to as WICKING. It is defined in the Flooring
Covering Dictionary as “Dispersing or spreading of moisture or liquid through a given
area, vertically or horizontally; capillary action in material.” A spot may appear
after cleaning if a substance has penetrated through the carpet back. This substance would
then act as a bridge between the face yarns and polypropylene backing on the underside of
the carpet.
This carpet has the classic appearance of Stain Resist Yellowing, but it does not contain
the sulfonated phenol compound that would make it a fifth generation stain resist nylon.
This is surprising, because nearly all nylon carpets in recent years has been stain resist
and contains sulfonated phenol, acid dye blockers. This would also indicate that
DuPont’s MasterSeries Test is not applicable to this carpet for the purpose of this
inspection.
THE RULES:
The Standard for Carpet Cleaning S001-1994 is published by the INSTITUTE OF INSPECTIONS,
CLEANING and RESTORATION CERTIFICATION at the recommendation of the FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY. These service standards are for professional cleaning and are
recognized by nearly all carpet mills and carpet cleaning associations.
E. PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING
Cleaning is the traditional activity of removing contaminants, pollutants and undesired
substances from an environment or surface to reduce damage or harm to human health or
valuable materials. Cleaning is the process of locating, identifying, containing, removing
and properly disposing of unwanted substances from an environment or material.
Before standards for carpet cleaning methods or systems can be designated, it is first
necessary to specify what one is attempting to accomplish with any professional cleaning
system. The answer is "to remove substances that are foreign to the construction of
the carpet; i.e., soil." However, to accomplish that end with any cleaning method, it
is necessary first to create a criterion or standard outline that contains basic
principles to which all methods must conform, if the objective of "soil retrieval
from the carpet" is to be accomplished. Thus, the following "principles of
cleaning" have gained wide acceptance among professionals within the cleaning
industry:
section a on page 11 states this about chemical action
a. Chemical Action (correlates to 3-3, 4.3, 5.3, 6.3 and 7.3 in Section G,
"Standards").- This fundamental refers to the use of biodegradable detergents,
builders and/or selected dry solvents designed to suspend, emulsify, saponify, etc., the
various soluble or insoluble soils commonly found in residential or commercial carpet.
Detergents used on stain-resist nylon carpet must be anionic, nonionic or combinations
thereof, with a pH of 10 or less. Cationic cleaners should not be used on these carpets,
unless specified by a fiber producer or carpet manufacturer in an individual situation.
Detergents used on wool carpet must be within a pH range from 5.5 to 8. Although slightly
higher pH may be used on some synthetic carpet, such as olefin, polyester, acrylic or
non-solution dyed nylon in heavy soiling or "salvage" cleaning situations, a pH
of 10 or less is always recommended.
on page 13 it states this for drying principles
5. Drying Principle (correlates to 3.11, 4.11,5.11,6.11 and 7-11 in Section G,
"Standards") The cleaning job is not complete until provisions are made to
return carpet to its intended use within 1-24 hours. Failure of the professional to
implement drying procedures could result in a variety of after-cleaning problems such as:
rapid resoiling, odor, microorganism development, and ultimately, lamination and dye
problems. Often the consumer’s cooperation is needed to best implement some drying
procedures.
the standard for steam cleaning are as follows
7.0 STEAM CLEANING (HOT WATER EXTRACTION) METHOD: The “steam” cleaning method
can be used on virtually any natural or synthetic carpet.
Proper use includes:
7.1 Dry Vacuuming (ref. Section E, point 1, p.9) - Removal of particle soil buildup is
essential prior to cleaning agent application.
7.2 Soil Suspension (ref. Section E, point E, point 2, p. 10):
7.3 Chemical Action (ref. Section E, point 2, a, p. 11): - Chemical action may be
accomplished in one of two ways:
7.4 Pre-Conditioning - In heavy soiling situations, a pre-conditioner that may contain
solvents for emulsifying oily soils must be applied to entry, pivot and high traffic areas
prior to the application of the steam cleaning method. For stain-resist carpet, this
pre-conditioner must be anionic, non-ionic or combinations thereof, and have a pH of 10 or
less. For wool carpet this pre-conditioner must range in pH from 5.5 to 8. Dilute
pre-conditioners containing dry solvent additives must not contribute appreciable
quantities of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) to air within the structure.
Page 27
Preconditions may be applied through hand-pump, electric, or venturi feed sprayers.
Product manufacturer’s directions relating to the quantity of pre-conditioning agent
applied to a specified number of square feet of carpet must be followed.
7.5 Cleaning Agent Application - In normal soiling situations ( or following
pre-conditioning), dilute, nonionic or combination “rinse” or cleaning
detergents should be applied to the carpet during the injection phase of hot water
extraction cleaning. This is essential for suspending soils in non-preconditioned areas.
7.6 Heating or Temperature (ref. Section E, point 2, b, p. 11) - Under normal
circumstances both pre-conditioners and “rinse” detergent solutions may be
increased in temperature - (mixed hot) to increase detergent activity. Additional activity
relating to temperature is achieved during the soil extraction phase that follows.
7.7 Agitation (ref. Section E, point 2, c, p. 11) - Pre-conditioner application, where
required, must be followed with uniform cleaning agent distribution using hand brushing,
or mechanical brush action (employing reel or rotary agitation equipment) To provide
quality cleaning and proper lubrication of carpet yarns. During agitation, products
manufacturers’ recommended dilation rates and application quantities (gallons of
cleaning solution per square feet cleaned) must be observed. Additional agitation may be
achieved during the extraction phase using higher solution pressures.
7.8 Time (ref. Section E, point 2, d, p. 11) Pre-conditioners, when used, must remain in
heavily soiled areas for 5-10 minutes, in order for uniform soil suspension to be
accomplished. The use of a water-based pre-conditioning agents in heavily soiled entry and
traffic areas also may prolong drying slightly.
7.9 Soil Extraction (ref. Section E, point 3, p. 12) - Once pre-conditioner application
and agitation is accomplished in heavily soiled areas, suspended soil must be flushed from
carpet yarns using hot water injection/extraction equipment. Multiple passes may be
required to fully flush suspended soil from the base of yarns, and if so, follow-up
extraction-only passes with floor tools are required to reduce moisture levels and
minimize drying time. The quantity of solution injected must be compatible with the
vacuum's extraction capability in order to avoid overwetting. Solution temperatures should
be as high as possible for maximum activation of cleaning agents, resulting in minimum
chemical use. Carpet construction, dye fastness and other considerations must be
considered. High temperature extraction (130°F./54°C. plus on the carpet) also may
contribute to the removal or control of bio-contaminants. All extracted solutions must be
disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
7.10 Nap Setting (ref. Section E, point 4, p, 12) Nap setting or grooming must be
accomplished following “steam”' cleaning for optimum appearance, In all cases,
nap setting must be accomplished for uniform distribution of post-cleaning treatments.
7.11 Drying (ref. Section E, point 5, p. 13) - Complete drying will be accomplished within
1-24 hours (depending on soiling conditions and ambient humidity). When multiple pass
cleaning is required on heavily soiled carpet, and especially when post-cleaning additives
are applied to carpet following “steam” cleaning, longer unassisted drying times
(12-24 hours) may be anticipated. Therefore, technicians must consider procedures to
expedite drying. and thus to avoid problems associated with overwetting. Overwetting, or
prolonged drying, may result from operator error.
CRI is The Carpet and Rug Institute of Dalton, Georgia. It is a national trade association
representing the carpet and rug industry. Their membership makes-up 95% of all the carpet
made in the United States. Their publications include standards for residential and
commercial installation, areas of responsibility for manufacturers, dealers, and
installers, and a manual for making claims with a carpet producer. Their rules for dealer
selling carpet are as follows:
DEALER
1. Disseminate complete product information to end users and installers as provided by
manufacturers and distributors. Information should allow for proper selection and the
appropriate use of carpet sold to include:
*(A) traffic classification information
(B) specific uncoded style information or specifications
(C) uncoded dye lot sizes and roll sequence information
*(D) complete carpet cushion specifications required for use with each traffic
classification as specified in CRI 104 Standards for Installation of Textile Floorcovering
Material
(E) complete mill pattern tolerance information and pattern match policy
(F) backing material or the destiny of any attached cushion used and pole direction of the
carpet
(G) complete information regarding mill applied soil, static or antimicrobial treatments
(H) complete warranty information
(I) carpet use and maintenance information to include information on certain household
products that can cause permanent carpet damage which is not the responsibility of the
manufacturer:
2. Be able to identify carpet sold as the following information:
(A) roll number
(B) uncoded dyelot number
(C) style number
(D) color
(E) size
(F) set or drop match and number of inches of pattern repeat
(G) backing material or density of attached cushion
(H) mill applied soil, static, or antimicrobial treatment.
3. Order specific dye lot specifications on large order:
4. Provide installers with complete manufacturer’s installation instruction, to
include shop drawings diagramming the location of all carpet panels, seams, edge moldings
and other pertinent information:
5. Provide end user and installer with complete dealer claim policy and procedure:
6. Inspect incoming carpet shipments for carrier related damage and file claims, if
necessary, within 15 working days of shipment:
7. Determine that carpet received is identical to that which was ordered:
8. Store carpet properly, never in excess of three (3) rolls in height:
9. Evaluate shelf life and rotate inventory so as to avoid roll crush:
10. Prior to shipment inspect carpet for visible defects:
11. Provide carpet cushion that is adequate for the traffic classification to which the
installation will be subjected as specified in
12. Ensure that installers adhere to CRI installation procedure as specified in CRI 104
Standards for Installation of Textile Floorcovering Materials:
13. Assume responsibility for any portion of consumer warranty that exceeds manufacturer
warranty:
14. Acknowledge and respond to complaints within 15 working days of notification.
* denotes responsibilities which apply to commercial transactions only
CARPET MANUFACTURE’S ASSOCIATION OF THE WEST STATEMENT OF OBLIGATIONS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CARPET MANUFACTURERS AND PURCHASERS OF CARPET, AND CARPET PERFORMANCE
AND CLAIM GUIDELINES.
These responsibilities and carpet performance and claims guidelines are published by the
carpet manufacturers association of West ( CMAW) and may be endorsed by its members,
subject to the individual member’s terms and conditions of sale or warranties. They
have been compiled to clarify areas of responsibility for the parties involved in carpet
sales, and set standards for carpet product, and for the misunderstandings, unnecessary
frustration, and wasted time and expense. This publication replaces the CMAW Guideline of
April, 1984.
I. RETAILER/CONTRACTOR’S GENERAL OBLIGATIONS
Professional standards obligate sellers and specifies to act and make judgments concerning
carpet selection and to accept the liabilities inherent in those actions. No claim will be
honored by the manufacturer against carpet improperly recommended or specified for
conditions of its intended use, or it the retailer/contractor does not follow the
guidelines contained in this bulletin.
NOTE: THE TERM “RETAILER/CONTRACTOR” IS USED IN THIS STATEMENT AND GUIDELINES TO
MEAN ANY SPECIFIED, DEALER. DESIGNER. DECORATOR, HOME CENTER, DISTRIBUTOR OR OTHER PERSON
OR ENTITY ENGAGED IN THE PURCHASE OF CARPET FROM CARPET MANUFACTURERS.
It is the retailer/contractor’s responsibility to:
1. Inspect all merchandise for correct style, size, color, texture, and dye lot before
cutting and/or installing. Merchandise should be checked against the purchase order and/or
sample book as required to verify. VERIFICATION SHOULD BE DONE BY THE RETAILER/CONTRACTOR
OR BY SOMEONE WHO MAY BE ASSIGNED THIS TASK BY THE RETAILER/CONTRACTOR (SUCH AS AN
APPROPRIATELY INSTRUCTED INSTALLER). MERCHANDISE MUST NOT BE CUT OR INSTALLED IF THERE IS
ANYTHING THAT IS NOT CORRECT ABOUT IT. CLAIMS OR RETURNS WILL NOT BE HONORED FOR ANY
MERCHANDISE THAT HAS BEEN CUT OR INSTALLED WITHOUT APPROPRIATE INSPECTION.
2. NOT to cut install any merchandise when visible defects are present and notify the
manufacturer of and visible defects (see IIIA, visible defects, below). Any
retailer/contractor or installer who installs carpet with visible defect must assume all
responsibilities for the resolution of any resulting claim.
3. Provide every consumer with a copy of the CMAW Carpet Consumer Awareness Bulletin and
receive a signed copy of the acknowledgment. Any claim must include a copy of the
acknowledgment or it may not be honored or entertained by the manufacturer.
4. Enter any and all claims for damages in shipment or delays against the carrier. Claims
for accrued storage charges are not the manufacturer’s responsibility.
End of Page 1
5. Receive authorization for any claim or return before attempting to return merchandise
or process that claim.
6. Utilize or specify the appropriate carpet cushion. Use of carpet cushion of low density
can adversely affect carpet performance. Claims will not be honored for carpet installed
over inappropriate carpet cushion. Carpet cushion guideline are contained in CRI # 105
Standard for Installation of Textile Flooring Materials.
7. Appropriately select, instruct and supervise the installer, Proper installation
techniques and selection of appropriate seaming tape (e.g. 6 inch tape especially at
critical seams), adhesives, and other installation products are THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
RETAILER/CONTRACTOR, not a manufacturer’s responsibility, The only procedures
endorsed are those contained in CRI #104 and #105 “Standard for Installation of
Textile Floorcovering Materials.” Installer should be instructed to NOT install any
carpet with visible defects, and to stop any installation should visible defects become
apparent during installation.
8. Fully inform the consumer prior to installation of the specific appearance and use
characteristics of the carpet. Remind the consumer that to achieve satisfactory appearance
retention of carpet a sensible maintenance program including regular vacuum cleaner and
changing the beater bar drive belt every 90 to 120 days. Also remind the consumer that the
section of cleaning products or services is their responsibility and that some products or
processes could may damage the carpet. Failure to exercise good maintenance will result in
dramatic deterioration of surface appearance for which the carpet manufacturer will not be
responsible. For additional information, see point E., number 7, on page 5.
9. Be fully informed about the warranties provided by the fiber manufacturers, such as
those for stain resistant fibers, abrasive wear, static resistance, and crush resistance
and texture retention; retention; also warranties that may be provided by the carpet
manufactures. Refrain from making claims to the consumer or end user about durability or
appearance that extend beyond these warranties.
Make any claims following the claims procedures section of these guidelines.
the difference between nylon 6.0 and 6.6 are noted in this technical bulletin
Inspection ‘94
February 8, 1994
Nylon 6 Vs Nylon 6,6
Which is Better? It All Depends!
Professor Howard L. Needles, Ph.D.
Both nylon 6 and 6,6 are similar in structure and generally have similar properties.
Although nylon 6,6 melts at a higher temperature and has a higher glass transition
temperature than nylon 6, the physical properties of nylon 6 and 6,6 depend more on
processing condition rather than on chemical structure. Nylon 6,6 depend more on
processing conditions rather that on chemical structure. Nylon 6,6 appears to be somewhat
more stable chemically than nylon 6, but factors that are important for dye fastness on
nylons are the heat setting method used and the dye structures used.
The processes most widely used to heat set carpets are the Suessen (dry heat), and
Autoclave and Superba (steam) processes. Suessen heat setting slows dye diffusion.
Autoclave or Superba heat setting give better dyeablility, but leave a more porous and
open nylon structure making steam set nylon more prone to dye loss and attack by gas fumes
such as ozone and nitrogen oxides. Since Superba heat setting is used extensively on nylon
6, this creates a problem for this carpet type. Finally steam setting can also adversely
affect the performance of stain blockers applied to prevent acid dye staining on nylon
carpets.
Dye selection is critical to assure light and fume fastness on nylon carpets with the
steam heat setting method having an adverse effect on dye fastness. Some dyes that are
certified to be fume fast are not, thereby causing additional problems. Also mills
sometimes use dyes known to be attacked by light, ozone and nitrogen oxides causing rapid
fading.
In conclusion, poor dye selection coupled with steam heat setting makes nylon carpet more
susceptible to staining or fading even in the presence of stain blockers. Use of nylon 6
may slightly increase this susceptibility, but fiber type appears to be less important
than these other factors. So, is nylon 6 or 6,6 better. It all depends!!
ANALYSIS
Allied Chemical is one of two producers of nylon type 6 nylon. In recent years
Allied Chemical has done extensive research on yellowing problems of this nature. These
tests have involved some of the most sophisticated equipment in the chemistry field.
Based upon the testing, observations and photographs, there are two types of yellowing
involved with this carpet. One is real and the other is not. The none real yellowing
problem is being created by light reflection and is most evident in the den with the sky
light. Most of the yellowing in the living room and all of the yellowing in the other room
is created from physical conditions.
Physical conditions can happen all at once, such as in the case of a wicking or they can
accumulate slowly over time. If wicking is the case, then the tips of the yarns will
mainly be affected by a foreign matter that was not attached before the cleaning. If the
discoloring runs further down the shaft of the yarn, then the condition is usually from a
foreign matter and has gathered over time. Foot traffic and gravity would allow this
foreign matter to work its way down deeper into the carpet.
The fact that the yellowing does not exist underneath the furniture or underneath the
pot-plant or in samples that have been protected would indicate that the strongest
influence of yellowing has been from the atmosphere and light. The effect of oxidizes of
nitrogen and sulfur are noted in many technical bulletins and trade journals as being
factors in carpet yellowing. These components are famous in the Southern California
atmosphere due to high concentrations of ozone near the coast. Ultra-violet light,
alkalinity, and moisture are other important factors for yellowing to occur.
CONCLUSION
1. This carpet has yellowed due to factors of light, atmosphere, moisture and alkalinity
based upon observations, tests and photographs.
· The living room seems to be more affected by ultra-violet light in the nook and
moisture near the pot plant.
· The den is more of the result of light reflection, based upon the photographs.
· The boy’s room is more of a result of alkalinity, based upon the pH readings and
lack of ultra-violet light.
2. These conditions have accumulated over a period of time, based upon the depth of
discoloring.
3. A portion of most of the yellowing is light reflections, based upon the photographs.
4. Other sources of this problem may need a higher caliber test.
5. A lack of communication has occurred on the part of the carpet dealer. According to the
background information and documentation furnished at the time of this report he has
violated most of the provisions of the CRI AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY that deal with dealers
and consumers. These violations include Sections 1(H & I), 2(A, B, C, G, and H), and 5
of the CRI AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY. The CMAW Standard For Carpet Dealers violations
include Sections 3, 8 and 9, based upon the same information..
RECOMMENDATIONS
Some of this yellowing can be reversed with an application of sodium bi-sulfite. An
inquiry to Philadelphia should be made before anything is done to this carpet to see what
warranties are applicable to this carpet. The yellowing that might not be correctable
would be that of the light reflection. This condition is most prominent in the den with
the skylight.
Inspections are currently being commissioned by an independent third party hired by Allied
Chemical. In times past, carpet inspectors specially trained by Allied have conducted
inspections for problems of this nature. It is suggested that the claimant first
1. Give Philadelphia the MEA number and confirm what the warranty is on this carpet.
2. Explain to Philadelphia that no information was given by the dealer and the dealer is
now out of business. (An invoice is the only paper work you received on this carpet.)
3. Ask about the warranty information on this carpet to see if it might apply to
yellowing.
4. Request an inspection for the yellowing problems if the warranty is applicable. Also
ask for their recommendations.