CCT Carpet Fiber Identification & Construction 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which fiber is most prone to 'wicking' (browning that reappears after cleaning) due to its absorbent nature?
- Polypropylene
- Nylon BCF
- Jute or cotton backing fiber (Correct answer)
- Polyester staple
Correct answer: Jute or cotton backing fiber
Jute and cotton backings absorb soil and moisture, which can wick up through the pile as the carpet dries, causing browning or re-soiling at the surface.
Question 2: What is the function of antimicrobial treatments applied to carpet fiber during manufacturing?
- To increase the fiber's resistance to acid-based cleaners
- To inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria within the carpet (Correct answer)
- To prevent the fiber from generating static electricity
- To improve the carpet's UV colorfastness outdoors
Correct answer: To inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria within the carpet
Antimicrobial treatments (e.g., Microban) are bonded to fibers to slow or prevent microbial growth, reducing odors and potential health hazards.
Question 3: A 'cut and loop' carpet construction creates its pattern by:
- Using two different fiber colors woven in alternating rows
- Combining areas of cut pile tufts and uncut loop pile tufts at different heights (Correct answer)
- Cutting loops at two different heights using angled blades
- Looping fiber around a raised mandrel and then cutting every other loop
Correct answer: Combining areas of cut pile tufts and uncut loop pile tufts at different heights
Cut-and-loop carpet achieves texture and pattern by combining cut pile (open tops) and loop pile (closed loops) in the same surface, creating geometric or sculptural designs.
Question 4: When identifying an unknown carpet fiber using chemical solubility, which solvent dissolves nylon but not polyester?
- Acetone
- Mineral spirits
- Formic acid or phenol (Correct answer)
- Isopropyl alcohol
Correct answer: Formic acid or phenol
Formic acid (and concentrated phenol) dissolves nylon while leaving polyester largely unaffected, making it a reliable laboratory chemical differentiation test.
Question 5: Which term describes the number of yarn ends (pile yarns) per inch across the width of a tufted carpet?
- Gauge (Correct answer)
- Pile height
- Face weight
- Density
Correct answer: Gauge
Gauge refers to the spacing of needles across the tufting machine width, expressed as the number of needles per inch, determining how many yarn ends appear across the carpet.
Question 6: What is 'staple fiber' yarn in carpet construction, and what issue is it most associated with?
- Long continuous filaments twisted together; associated with pilling
- Short lengths of fiber spun and twisted into yarn; associated with shedding and fuzzing (Correct answer)
- Fiber bonded with latex adhesive; associated with delamination
- Pre-dyed fiber segments; associated with color inconsistency
Correct answer: Short lengths of fiber spun and twisted into yarn; associated with shedding and fuzzing
Staple fiber consists of short fiber lengths that are spun together into yarn; the loose fiber ends can work free under traffic, causing shedding and fuzzing, especially when new.
Question 7: A technician finds a carpet where bleach spotting causes no color change. This indicates the carpet is most likely:
- Wool with natural color protection
- Solution-dyed polypropylene or solution-dyed nylon (Correct answer)
- Nylon with a strong acid dye system
- Polyester with topically applied stain protection
Correct answer: Solution-dyed polypropylene or solution-dyed nylon
Solution-dyed fibers have color molecules locked inside the fiber polymer chain during extrusion, making them immune to bleach and oxidizing agents.
CCT Carpet Fiber Identification & Construction 5
Which fiber is most prone to 'wicking' (browning that reappears after cleaning) due to its absorbent nature?