Carpet Standards and Test Methods

Transcription

1 Carpet Standards and Test Methods 2 Carpet Standards and Test Methods enter This project is supported by Carpet Standards and Test Methods INDEX page A

2 Index Carpet Standards and Test Methods Carpet Quality Australian and International Quality Standards 1 Australia and New Zealand 1 European Testing Methods and Procedures 2 United States and Canada Testing Methods and Procedures 2 Asian Testing Methods and Procedures 3 Specifications Why Specifications are Necessary? 4 Technical Guidelines and Performance and Manufacturing Specifications 5 Testing Methods Australian and New Zealand Testing Methods and Procedures 6 Abrasion Resistance 6 Appearance Retention 7 Hexapod Tumbler Test Woolmark/Wools of New Zealand 247/251/284 7 Colourfastness to Light - ISO 105-B02 10 Colourfastness to Rubbing (Crocking) AS Total Pile Mass AS/NZS Total Pile Mass of a Woven Carpet 14 Surface Pile Mass - AS/NZS Pile Thickness AS/NZS Carpet Standards and Test Methods page 2

3 Index Carpet Standards and Test Methods Dimensional Stability to Mechanical Forces 16 Secondary Backing Delamination Strength AS/NZS Tuft Withdrawal Force AS/NZS Static Loading AS/NZS Dynamic Loading AS/NZS Extractable Matter AS Soil Resistance 19 Soil Repellency Hydrocarbon Test 19 Stain Resistance 19 Static Propensity 20 Usometer Woolmark/Wools of New Zealand 253/ Insect Resist Woolmark 27/28 Wools of New Zealand 27/28 21 Fibre Content AS Flammability/Flame Resistance 21 Tests for the Environmental Certification Scheme 22 Indoor Air Quality - ISO/TC 219 Document N Acoustics - AS/NZS 2107:2000, AS/NZS and ISO 717-2: Thermal Insulation - ISO 8302: Worldwide Testing Authorities Carpet Standards and Test Methods INDEX page C

4 Carpet Quality A carpet must satisfy the aesthetic requirements of the interior design and the installation, as well as a range of technical requirements. In addition, it should be easy and economical to clean and maintain. A good carpet may be regarded as having a chain of quality properties, each of which must be sound if the carpet is to perform satisfactorily. Chain of carpet properties Acoustic comfort Walking comfort Walking safety Thermal comfort Durability Tuft bind Appearance retention (texture) Appearance retention (colour) Appearance retention (soiling) Australian and International Quality Standards Australia and New Zealand The Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS) is a system for the labelling of a manufacturer's carpet. It employs symbols and descriptive text to indicate end use suitability for various traffic areas. The categories are: Residential Light Duty Residential Medium Duty Residential Heavy Duty Residential Heavy Duty Contract Light Duty Contract Medium Duty Contract Heavy Duty Contract Extra Heavy Duty Residential Extra Heavy Duty Residential Extra Heavy Duty page 1

5 The ACCS scheme also encompasses the Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS) which is an environmental labelling scheme for carpets. The ACCS ECS techincal guidelines may be downloaded from the Carpet Institute website European Testing Methods and Procedures In 1990, European carpet manufacturers joined together to form GemeinschaftUmweltfreudlicherTeppichboden (GUT, the English translation is Carpet Tested for Better Living Environment). Their goal was to ensure environmental friendliness and consumer protection at every stage of the carpet life cycle, from production to installation. The basic ideology was proclaiming environmental and consumer protection to be a basic element of their company's culture. They realised that all the issues couldn't be solved by one company on a National basis. Manufacturers, even if they were competing against each other on the market, needed to act together across the European continent. To realise this ambition, they linked the following partners in the value chain: the chemical industry, the wool producers and their respective trade associations. The partners are CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council), EATP (European Association for Textile Polyolefins), Wools of New Zealand and EPDLA (European Polymer Dispersion and Latex Association). GUT is therefore a network of industry associations and partnerships: Euratex - European Technology Platform for Future Development of Textiles and Clothing ECRA - European Carpet and Rug Association Febeltex - Belgium Textile Federation VNTF - Association of The Netherlands Textile Industry UFTF - Union Des Fabricants De France Heimtex - Federation of German Home Textile Industry Association ETG - German Carpet Makers. United States and Canada Testing Methods and Procedures Carpet manufacturers in the USA and Canada use the following criteria for testing their products: Carpet Construction and Performance Electrostatic Yarn Flammability page 2

6 Lightfastness Latex Carpet Cushion Analytical Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/Flooring Housing Association (FHA) Carpet Certification HUD/FHA Carpet Cushion Certification Foot Traffic Indoor Air Quality. Asian Testing Methods and Procedures Testing for Carpets Azo Dye Test Performance tests as per ASTM, AATCC, BS, DIN, ISO, JIS Toxicity and European Tests (Formaldehyde, PCP, Heavy Metal, Aromatic banned amines) Physical Performance. page 3

7 Specifications Why are Specifications are Necessary In engineering, manufacturing, and business, it is vital for suppliers, purchasers, and users of materials, products, or services to understand and agree upon all requirements. A specification is a type of a standard which is often referenced by a contract or procurement document. It provides the necessary details about the specific requirements. Specifications may be written by government agencies, standards organizations (e.g. AS, ASTM, ISO, CEN.), trade associations (e.g. CIAL/ACCS), corporations, and others. A product specification does not necessarily prove a product to be correct for a particular application. An item might be verified to comply with a specification or stamped with a specification number. This does not, by itself, indicate that the item is fit for any particular use. The people who use the item (architects, builders, consumers, etc.) or specify the item (building codes, government, industry, etc.) have the responsibility to consider the choice of available specifications, specify the correct one, enforce compliance, and use the item correctly. Validation of suitability is necessary. Knowing the full requirements of a carpet enables the manufacturer to meet the performance specification of the potential client or consumer. If the requirements are clearly specified and measurable, the manufacturers can be confident that the client or consumer will receive a product that will meet their performance expectations. The manufacturer should monitor the quality of goods (carpet) from raw materials through to finished carpet so as to minimise the risk of being involved in a dispute with clients or consumers. If the carpet is specified correctly and manufactured accordingly, it will perform as expected. The consumer will benefit by having a product that will perform throughout its useful life. page 4

8 Technical Guidelines and Performance and Manufacturing Specifications The following standards show the linkage between technical standards and examples of performance specifications (as prepared by a specifier/architect/interior designer) and processing specifications (as used by the carpet manufacturer). ACCS Technical Standards (See ACCS Technical Guidelines.pdf ( The following specifications are examples of documents available to specifiers and manufacturers to assist in preparing products for the marketplace. In turn, the specifications are followed by details of the common tests performed to assess and evaluate carpet quality and performance. Click on buttons below to open relevant document. Performance Specifications-Light Contract/Heavy Residential Performance Specifications - Heavy Contract Axminster Performance Specifications - Heavy Contract Tufted Performance Specifications - Modular Tile Manufacturing Specifications - Wool/Synthetic Blend Manufacturing Specifications - Woven Axminster Manufacturing Specifications - Heavy Contract Manufacturing Specifications - Modular Tile page 5

9 Testing Methods Australian and New Zealand Testing Methods and Procedures A number of tests can be used to determine the quality attributes of any carpet. The following is not intended to be a complete listing and its aim is to provide explanatory information for people who may become involved in the preparation or meeting of specifications, or those requiring a general understanding of this subject. All testing should be carried out by laboratories that are accredited by a national accreditation body for the tests being conducted. In the case of carpets graded under the ACCS Grading Scheme, the testing laboratory must be accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) or another body with which NATA has a mutual recognition agreement. Abrasion Resistance Abrasion resistance is the ability of a textile floor covering to resist the loss of the use surface material by abrasive or mechanical action. The most commonly used is the WIRA Carpet Abrasion machine which may be used to measure the number of cycles required to wear the pile down to the backing substrate or may also be used to measure abrasion, but is more the mass loss of the pile fibre for a given number of cycles. The Taber abrasion tester test method AS :1992 can be used to determine the relative abrasion resistance of a floor covering. This method is typically used by the Automotive Floorcovering Industry and involves a sample placed on a rotating disc under an abrasive wheel rotating and abrading the pile. Appearance and mass loss can be measured. The Martindale Abrasion tester can also be used to measure abrasion but is more commonly used to evaluate pilling or fuzzing of the pile surface of a floorcovering. The rubbing action of the Martindale using a 'standard' abrasion cloth in the head and a carpet sample on the base tends to highlight any deficiencies with blends on poor latex compound encapsulation of the pile yarn. Pilling and fuzzing of the surface can be rated against known performance criteria. WIRA Carpet Abrader page 6

10 Appearance Retention Appearance retention of the pile surface of a carpet is one of the major properties assessed when measuring carpet performance. There is a large range of appearance retention test apparatus and test methods. Their aim is to simulate the likely on-floor characteristics of a textile floor covering after trafficking and general wear. All of the appearance retention test methods which include Tetrapod Tumbler, Vetterman Drum, Tetrad Castor Chair, Simuwear, Usometer, Wear Simulator and Hexapod Tumbler have their own advantages and disadvantages. Castor Chair Tester Vetterman Drum The Hexapod Tumbler Tester is the most accepted test method in Australasia. This test method has been used to aid in the determination of likely appearance retention properties of a given textile floor covering for development, specification and grading purposes across the spectrum of the products used in the Australian and New Zealand markets. It is also a widely accepted test method globally. Hexapod Tumbler Test Woolmark/Wools of New Zealand 247/251/284 While the Hexapod was not designed to exactly reproduce the actual appearance changes on the floor, it can be used to simulate and rate a carpet s likely on-floor performance. The method subjects a sample of carpet to simulated wear conditions at 1500 cycles (short term change: 9-12 months on-floor at a trafficking density of 5,000-5,500 passages per week) and 8000 cycles (long term change: 3-4 years on-floor at a trafficking density of 5,000-5,500 passages per week) and the tested samples are then rated independently by a panel of experienced assessors against a set of internationally accepted standards for degree of Texture or Structure change. Colour change is also assessed and Pile Thickness Loss measured. The international standards used to assess change of texture are a graduated appearance change range of samples that represent different styles of carpet and their respective texture changes. page 7

11 Hexapod Tester and Samples for Rating Tested samples are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 and it is the degree of change that is being assessed. Rating Description 5 no change 4 slight change 3 moderate change 2 large change 1 severe change When a sample is rated for degree of change to the texture or structure, it is important to separate colour and design change from any structural change. page 8

12 Residential Trafficking Passages per Week Contract Trafficking Passages per Week Heavy Duty Up to 2,500 Light Duty 1,500 2,999 Extra Heavy Duty Up to 3,000 Medium Duty 3,000 6,999 Heavy Duty 7,000 14,999 Extra Heavy Duty 15,000+ *Note: A trafficking passage represents a person walking through or across a given area of carpet. Hexapod Tumbler Test - Structural Change Structural changes that can include: (i) Visual change in configuration of loops and/or tufts/fibre at the use surface (ii) Crushing or flattening (iii) Surface roughening Hairiness/Cobwebbing/Pilling/Sprouting (iv) Change of pattern definition. Hexapod Tumbler Test - Colour Change The tested samples are rated against standard grey scales for apparent colour change. Tested samples are rated for apparent colour change that occurs due to change in pile orientation. Rating Description 5 no change 4 slight change 3 moderate change 2 large change 1 severe change As the rating becomes lower, the more significant the colour change that has taken place. page 9

13 Hexapod Tumbler Test - Thickness Loss The thickness of the carpet samples are also measured before and after testing. This is to determine the actual thickness loss of the samples following the pre-determined number of cycles. It has been established that there is an insignificant thickness loss of most backing materials of a textile floor covering during the Hexapod test. The majority of the thickness loss occurs in the pile and grading schemes such as the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme, Woolmark and Wools of New Zealand use this percentage pile thickness loss value as part of the assessment of overall appearance change. Interpretation of Results As part of the carpet assessment for grading, the following results (1-4) together with pile thickness loss at 1500 and 8000 cycles (5-6) are taken into account to obtain an overall appearance retention factor. 1. Short Term Texture Change (1500 cycles) 2. Short Term Colour Change (1500 cycles) 3. Long Term Texture Change (8000 cycles) 4. Long Term Colour Change (8000 cycles) 5. Short term Pile Thickness Loss (1500 cycles) 6. Long Term Pile thickness Loss (8000 cycles) In arriving at this overall figure, the short-term results are deemed to be of critical importance as according to complaint records, consumers are more likely to complain about severe short term changes. Colourfastness to Light - ISO 105-B02:2000 All coloured natural and synthetic textile products will eventually fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays, as found in daylight and fluorescent lighting. To determine objectively to what degree textile products can fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays, samples can be tested to various standard test methods. These tests require test samples to be exposed to a specified light source with British Standard blue wool standards exposed at the same time. There are eight of these blue wool standards which have increasing resistance to fading when exposed to light and are numbered accordingly. Xenon Arc apparatus showing samples in place The numbers range from 1 (very poor resistance to light) to 8 (excellent resistance to light). To achieve a similar degree of fading on standard 2 as on standard 1, requires approximately twice the exposure time, standard 3 takes approximately twice as long as standard 2 to fade to the same degree, and so on to 8. page 10

14 Once exposure is commenced the test specimen is checked daily, or more regularly if the need be, to detect an initial change in colour. This is called the initial break. Once this occurs the test specimen is compared to the eight blue wool standards exposed at the same time. A rating for the initial break is then decided by determining which of the blue wool standards has faded to the same degree as the specimen. Exposure of the test specimen and blue wool standards is then continued and checked daily until one of the prescribed endpoints has been reached. These are either the carpet undergoing a Grey Scale 4 change or the Blue Scale 7 just changing. The carpet is again compared to the blue wool standards and the final rating is the number of the Blue Wool Standard that has faded to the same degree as the carpet sample. Colourfastness to Rubbing (Crocking) AS :1996 When a textile floor covering is subjected to a rubbing motion it may lose dye and this may be transferred to adjacent fabrics or cross staining may occur in the carpet surface causing a change in the appearance of the surface. The colourfastness to rubbing test method involves rubbing a standard cotton cloth against the surface of the textile floor covering. The degree of cross staining to the rubbing cloth is assessed by comparing the staining to an un-dyed cloth by the use of standard grey scales for assessing staining. The colour change of the test specimen is evaluated against standard grey scales for assessing change of colour. When a multi-coloured sample is tested, the rubbing device should be positioned to ensure all colours of the textile floor covering are subjected to the rubbing action. Enough specimens should be tested to ensure all colours are evaluated. The colourfastness to rubbing properties are evaluated by the use of a standard rubbing clothtested both dry and wet. Both wet and dry colourfastness to rubbing properties are reported on each sample tested. Tests may be carried out on supplied specimens of fibre, yarn or textile floor covering. The accepted industry standard is that all colours shall meet or exceed a minimum rating of 3-4 for cross staining and colour change when tested wet and dry. A result of 4-5 indicates excellent colourfastness to rubbing. Results below 3-4 indicate there is a significant amount of dye coming off the textile floor covering and this may lead to potential problems with contamination to other textile materials on site. Total Pile Mass AS/NZS :1996 The test is carried out to determine the total amount of pile yarn in a finished carpet. Many people involved with and in the carpet industry refer to a carpet is by its pile weight, finished texture and construction e.g. 48 oz, hard twist, tufted carpet, 38 oz woven Axminster, 22 oz cut/loop nylon. The pile weight is more correctly referred to as Total Pile Weight or Total Pile Mass and regardless of the manufacturing technique it is the mass of pile yarn in a given area (mass per unit area), including that yarn forming the base of the tufts or held in the substrate. This parameter has as its unit of measure - ounces per square yard (oz/yd²) and while grams per square metre' (g/m²) is the metric measure, the imperial measure continues to be in common use. In many instances, a swatch card with technical details and a carpet sample will quote both. In the example previously quoted, a 48oz carpet has a total pile mass of 48 oz/yd². To convert to g/m², multiply 48 oz/yd² by 33.9 with a result of 1627 g/m². This figure would generally be rounded up to 1630 g/m². page 11

15 When a carpet is described as a carpet of 48 oz/yd² or 1627 g/m² this still does not clearly specify if 48 oz refers to the actual mass of yarn used during the manufacture of the carpet or if it is the mass of yarn in finished carpet. In preparing a specification there are a number of other variables that need to be considered before the total pile mass is stipulated. Total pile mass can be measured on an unbacked carpet i.e. after pile formation but prior to the finishing processes, and this is determined by dissecting the unbacked sample of carpet according to Australian Standard Test Method AS/NZS :1996. However, the measured total pile mass of the unbacked sample may not be a true indication of the actual mass per unit area of pile yarn that will be in the carpet after it has passed through all of the finishing processes. The actual stitch density may change slightly or even significantly depending on the manufacturing techniques during the finishing procedures. The stitch density may increase (due to carpet structure or substrate relaxation or consolidation) or decrease (due to structure stretching) resulting in a change to the total pile mass per unit area of the finished carpet compared to the unbacked carpet. Using a cut pile carpet as an example - the pile surface that may have been cropped, defuzzed or changed in some way during the finishing processes will also show a difference in the comparison of total pile mass of the finished carpet to total pile mass of an unbacked carpet sample. Dissecting or Pulling Down a carpet for determining Total Pile Mass It should also be noted that the stitching or shotting rate may vary slightly during the carpet formation process due to tension variations occurring during production. Therefore, a sample taken at the beginning of a production run or batch may not be totally indicative of the whole batch or any single sample taken from that batch at random. This variation is the reason for the specification of a manufacturing tolerance of ± 5% of the total pile mass in AS/NZS 1385:2007 Commercial Tolerance for Measurement. This tolerance takes into consideration the normal variations encountered during manufacturing. Effect of change in stitch rate due to finishing processes: Sample of Loop Pile carpet Unbacked Backed Measured Stitches/100mm Measured Gauge/100mm Total pile mass 1722 g/m g/m 2 (by dissection) (measured) page 12

16 From this example a small change can be noted in finished stitch rate which produces a 1.8 % reduction in finished carpet total pile mass. Effect of Cropping or Shearing Sample of Cut Pile carpet Unbacked Backed Backed* Stitch rate (per 100mm) Gauge (per 100mm) Pile Height (mm) Loop length (mm) Total pile mass 1686 g/m g/m g/m 2 (by dissection) (measured) (measured) Note: *After cropping Cropping of 0.3 mm off the pile height of an 8 mm pile height carpet can make a difference of approximately 3% to the finished carpet total pile mass. Based on the above information and determined at what stage the carpet is to be measured i.e. finished carpet, Test Method AS/NZS :1996 Determination of total pile mass per unit area by complete dissection of textile floor coverings, can be used. There are two options in this test method of how to express the result and indicate the total pile mass for the sample of carpet under test. The standard test method specifies total pile mass per unit area as the mass of pile yarn in a given area, including that forming the base of the tufts or held in the backing, determined at equilibrium within the standard atmosphere for testing." The standard atmosphere i.e. standard conditions for testing are specified as a temperature 20 ± 2OC and Relative Humidity 65 ± 2%. These are the conditions a carpet should be tested under unless the result is requested to be reported expressed as Corrected for Agreed Commercial Allowance. If a total pile mass of a carpet is requested to be reported Corrected for Agreed Commercial Allowances, it is a requirement of AS/NZS :1996 that the total pile mass at standard conditions and also total pile mass corrected for Allowances for Moisture Regain and other matter as listed in Appendix A of that Standard should be reported together on the same test report. e.g. Based on experience, it can be anticipated that a 100% wool carpet would have a regain (ratio of the mass of moisture in the material to the oven dry mass) at standard conditions in the range of 11% to 13% depending on fibre, carpet style, yarn properties etc. The standard allowance for moisture regain and other materials for this 100% wool product according to AS/NZS :1996 Appendix A is 16%. page 13

17 An example 100% wool carpet with a measured total pile mass of 1627 g/m 2 at standard conditions of Temperature 20OC and Relative Humidity 65% has a measured regain of 12.5%. If the result from this sample was also reported allowing for Correction for Agreed Commercial Allowance, it would be: Corrected Total Pile Mass = [TPM (Standard Conditions) x (100 + y)]/ (100+r) Where: TPM (Standard Conditions) = Total Pile Mass measured in the standard textile laboratory conditions (Temperature of 20OC and Relative Humidity of 65%) y' = Total allowance for moisture regain and non-textile material from AS/NZS :1996, Appendix A r = Measured regain at standard conditions of 20OC and 65%RH. Calculation - Corrected Total Pile Mass = (1627 x 116)/112.5 and, Total Pile Mass at 16% Regain = 1678 g/m 2 Therefore, in this example, if the request for testing does not clearly define what is required, the carpet sample could be reported after testing is completed as having a total pile mass of either 1627g/m 2 or 1678g/m 2 (a difference of 3.1%) and as such, lead to confusion to parties reading the test report and possible contractual ramifications. Total Pile Mass of a Woven Carpet As previously stated, total pile mass includes all pile yarn and this is also applicable to Axminster constructions. In the case of a Wilton carpet constructions, further explanation is required as to what may be designated as pile yarn. The total pile mass of a Wilton carpet includes all buried pile yarn but excludes dead frame yarn. A Wilton construction can carry all of the colours of the design in the backing of the carpet until they are selected by the jacquard for use as pile yarn. However, where a frame is not used at all in the design, but yarn from this frame still runs in the back of the carpet structure, this is dead frame yarn. A basic difference between Wilton and Axminster is in Wilton production the pile yarn is carried through the backing ready to be selected to form a pile tuft while in Axminster, the pile yarn is selected and inserted in conjunction with the backing threads and cut off. Surface Pile Mass - AS/NZS2111.4:1996 As noted previously, it is a common practice to describe a carpet by its total pile mass e.g. a 52 ounce wool carpet means 52 ounces per square yard and in metric measurement, 1763 grams per square metre total pile mass. However, the total pile mass is difficult to accurately measure after manufacture is completed on some carpet constructions. page 14

18 It is also evident that the weight or mass of yarn above the primary backing structure i.e. surface pile mass, is more closely related to the wear life. Yarn buried in the backing is important, especially in woven carpets and while it supports the pile weight above the backing, it is of secondary importance. Surface pile mass, in conjunction with pile thickness is used as the basis for calculating surface pile mass density for a number of carpet grading schemes representing a measure of durability of a carpet. For a carpet, this means the greater the surface pile mass density, the longer the performance life. A surface pile mass result is obtained by shearing the surface pile from a carpet using a band knife machine. Band Knife for shearing carpet pile Typical Tufted Carpet Construction Surface Pile Mass Latex Compound Secondary Backing Primary Backing Pile Thickness AS/NZS2111.5:1996 A measure of pile thickness is obtained by measuring the thickness of carpet under a standard loading before and after shearing off the surface pile. The test is often carried out in conjunction with the surface pile mass determination. An option to measure Pile Thickness is the gauge method in AS/NZS :1996 described as a non-destructive measurement of pile thickness above the backing. Thickness Gauge page 15

19 Dimensional Stability to Mechanical Forces This is the ability of a textile floor covering to retain its dimensions when subjected to mechanical action e.g. walking, wheel traffic. The test method used to determine Dimensional Stability, IWS 128 or BS , was subsequently withdrawn in 1978 due to the lack of on-floor correlation. While other test methods have since been considered, the practical test of restretching a defined area of carpet and making an assessment after trafficking/ normal use occurs, within a specified time frame, has proven to be the most satisfactory method of resolving this type of complaint. Secondary Backing Delamination Strength This is also known as a bond strength test. This test is used to judge the force required to separate the secondary backing from the total carpet structure and is only applicable to a carpet with a secondary backing. Carpet specifications provide values for this property to ensure that carpet will not ruck or delaminate on the floor when subject to repeated foot traffic and furniture movements. Tuft Withdrawal Force AS/NZS :1996 This test is performed to find out how securely the tuft is held within the carpet structure. It may also be referred to as Tuft Bind or Tuft Lock. For cut pile - the force required to pull a tuft from the backing. For loop pile - the force required to pull out one or both sides of the loop. Static Loading AS/NZS :1996 Static loading is the process of applying a fixed load to an area of a textile floor covering for a specified length of time to assess its resistance to crushing by furniture or other heavy objects such as the feet of a display cabinet. The test method measures the thickness loss after loading and the thickness loss after recovery for predetermined periods of time. The Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS) calculates the results used for grading after a 24 hour recovery period and expresses the results as a percentage thickness loss of the initial pile thickness. Static Load apparatus page 16

20 Points are awarded as follows: 0-10% Pile thickness loss 5 points 11-20% Pile thickness loss 4 points 21-30% Pile thickness loss 3 points 31-40% Pile thickness loss 2 points This test is a measure of resilience and is designed to compare carpet styles and their performance in relation to flattening properties. Dynamic Loading AS/NZS2111.2:1996 Dynamic loading is the process of repeatedly applying a load to the same area of a textile floor covering to assess its resistance to crushing from interrupted continual loading such as walking traffic. The test method measures the cyclic loading effect similar to repeated stepping onto a given area of textile floor covering. Thickness loss of the textile floor covering is measured after repeated loading and also the thickness after recovery for predetermined periods of time. The ACCS uses this method as part of its grading assessment. Static Load apparatus AS/NZS2111.2:1996 details the method of subjecting the carpet to 1000 impacts with the WIRA Dynamic Loader after which the Pile Thickness Loss is measured at various recovery times. The ACCS uses the thickness loss after 24 hours recovery time. Points are awarded as follows: 0-15% Pile thickness loss 5 points 16-25% Pile thickness loss 4 points 25-35% Pile thickness loss 3 points 35-45% Pile thickness loss 2 points Any carpet with a pile thickness loss greater than 45% is not classified. page 17

21 Extractable Matter AS :1995 This method is used to determine the amount of naturally present oily or waxy impurities that have not been completely removed. It is also used to determine the amount of oily or waxy materials that may have been applied to pile yarns during manufacture and which are still present in the finished carpet. Typical maximum values specified for acceptable soiling performances are: Recommended Maximum values ACCS Wool dark shades 1.5% 1.5% Wool light shades 1.0% 1.5% Nylon 0.8% 1.5% Polypropylene 0.4% 1.5% Polyester 0.4% 1.5% These values should only be used as a guide depending on the make-up of extractable matter. The ACCS sets a maximum grease content of 1.5% when measured according to AS :1995 for all types of fibres. The solvent used in this test will depend on the fibre type being tested. Fibre Composition Recommended Solvent Fibre Composition Recommended Solvent 100% Wool Dichloromethane Wool/Acrylic Blend Dichloromethane Wool/Nylon Blend Dichloromethane 100% Nylon Dichloromethane Wool/Nylon/ 0.8% 1.5% Polypropylene Blend Petroleum Spirit Nylon/Polypropylene Blend Petroleum Spirit Wool/Polypropylene 0.4% 1.5% Blend Petroleum Spirit 100% Polypropylene Methanol Wool/Polyester Blend Petroleum Spirit 100% Polyester Petroleum Spirit Wool/Nylon/Polyester Blend Petroleum Spirit Polyester Blend Petroleum Spirit 100% Acrylic Dichloromethane page 18

22 Soil Resistance Soil Resist treatments do not prevent textile floor coverings from becoming soiled. They allow dirt or soiling to be more easily removed from the textile floor coverings surface. Methods of determining various soil resist properties include a direct soiling test using the Rapid Soiling test machine can be used to assess the propensity to soil of any given carpet (using an artificial soil composition). Specimens are subjected to an accelerated soiling process where the carpet is submitted to the equivalent action of 10,000 footsteps. The specimens are then vacuum-cleaned and assessed for the level of soiling. Soil Repellency Hydrocarbon Test This test method detects the effectiveness or the presence of a fluorescent finish, or other compounds capable of imparting a low surface energy on the textile floor coverings surface by evaluating the resistance to wetting by a selected series of liquid hydrocarbons of different surface tensions. The oil repellency grade allocated to a carpet is the highest numbered liquid, which does not wet or penetrate into the pile surface. Oil Repellency Rating Number Composition 1 Kaydol white mineral oil 2 65/35 Kaydol/n-hex 3 n hexadecane 4 n tetradecane 5 n dodecane 6 n decane 7 n octane 8 n heptane Stain Resistance Stain resistant treatments typically provide protection from acid dye stains such as common food dyes and many other staining agents common in household spills. It allows stains and spills to be spot-cleaned more easily using the appropriate cleaning techniques. The effectiveness of the treatment can be determined by subjecting the textile floor covering to a dyeing process using a standard food dye and then cleaning the sample by flushing with cold water. The degree of staining remaining after flushing with water is then rated against either standard grey scales or other relevant staining scales. page 19

23 The PASS/FAIL criteria are normally determined by the chemical manufacturer based on experience in the field. Static Propensity One of the well-known methods to measure static propensity is the Stroll Test AATCC , which requires a person to walk over a carpet in a prescribed manner, stepping and scuffing while wearing specified shoes. The results are expressed as a body voltage (Kilovolts - kv) for each shoe sole type and for each walking action - step and scuff. The peak voltage readings are recorded and averaged. It is generally accepted that the human sensitivity level is approximately 3.0 kv (it will vary from person to person) and some computer manufacturers require a static propensity by this method of less than 1.5 kv. The results of the test have been shown to be subjective and very dependent on the person, the style of walking and on the shoes and their condition. A control carpet is tested each time a test is carried out to give some confidence in the repeatability of the results. The control of atmospheric conditions and conditioning of the sample is also very critical. Due to the many variables, the results can be difficult to interpret and correlation between laboratories can be questionable. Generally the results are based on the worst result, so that if one of the results fails to meet the requirements the sample undergoing assessment fails. The other method which has gained support due to its firmer scientific background is the measurement of surface and bulk resistance of a carpet according to the Australian Standard AS 2834:1995. This test was designed for Computer Accommodation Areas and is carried out using two electrodes placed on the carpet with a potential difference of 500 volts DC between the electrodes. The resistance between the electrodes in Ohms is measured. The electrical resistance measurement is objective and reproducible and PASS/FAIL criteria can be determined for various applications. This test is particularly important for contract carpet that could well find itself in computer rooms where a build-up of static electricity could damage valuable equipment. The carpet sample to be tested must be acclimatized for at least 7 days before the test at a temperature of 23+/-1 C and 25+/-2% relative humidity. This is because humidity impacts so greatly on conductivity of textiles and must be controlled rigorously to get a meaningful test. In this test regime the horizontal (surface) resistance and vertical (bulk) resistance of the carpet is measured (in Ohms). Horizontal (Surface) resistance: An isolating underlay is placed under the carpet sample which should be pile upward. Two electrodes are connected to the carpet 1000 mm apart and the resistance in Ohms is measured between them. Surface Resistivity test on a carpet Vertical (Bulk) resistance: Here the electrodes are above and below the carpet tile and the resistance in Ohms is measured between them. page 20

24 Usometer Woolmark/Wools of New Zealand 253/251 This test method is only applicable to loop pile textile floor coverings and is intended to assess the susceptibility of the carpet to fuzzing and pilling in use. Insect Resist Woolmark 27/28 Wools of New Zealand 27/28 Pure wool and wool blend carpets are required to be treated to resist attack by wool damaging insects. Specifications, recommendations and requirements according to the insect resist agent to be used can be accessed from Wool Interiors or The Woolmark Company Fibre Content AS :2005 The test method uses a quantitative analytical method which involves the removal of natural and/or synthetic fibres from a pile or substrate in order to determine the proportion by weight of each fibre type present. Flammability/Flame Resistance Most textile fibres will burn if the environmental conditions are right. Accordingly, finishes that reduce the flaming, charring, or afterglow of fibres are important to safety. Flame resistance is generally achieved through the use of inherently flame resistant fibres, that is, manufactured fibres modified by the addition of flame retardants during fibre extrusion (e.g. flame resistant rayon, acrylic or polyolefin). While wool has natural flame resistance, this resistance can be enhanced by flame resistance treatments to meet severe flammability specifications that exist in many end uses of the carpet. If treatments are used to enhance the fire performance of carpet they must be applied during manufacture. Application topically, in situ, is not allowed by the building code. Two test methods are currently used in Australia to regulate the fire resistance of carpet. (i) AS/NZS :1997 Methods of test for textile floor coverings Determination of fire propagation properties Fire propagation of the use-surface using a small ignition source. A small ignition source (the Methenamine Pill) is applied to the surface of the carpet and ignited. The radius of burning is recorded. The burnt area is not allowed to extend more than 75mm from the point of ignition. AS2404:1980 Textile Floor Coverings Fire propagation of the use-surface using a small ignition source, which states the level of fire propagation acceptable for the use-surface of a carpet. The objective was to give the legislature the opportunity to ban any carpets which do not comply however that option has never been taken up. It is not unusual for only one of the eight specimens tested to fail the test. Re-testing the product will normally produce a similar failure rate. The mode of failure is often via the carpet backing on jute backed carpets. Pass (left) and Fail (right) samples after test page 21

25 The ACCS Grading Scheme requires that the carpet manufacturer demonstrate by independent test result that the carpet passes the requirements of AS2404:1980 prior to being graded by the scheme. (ii) AS/ISO :2003 Reaction to fire tests for floorings. Part 1 Determination of the burning behaviour using a radiant heat source. The Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) test, which measures the radiant energy required to just sustain burning, is used in some parts of the USA and some parts of Europe to regulate floorcoverings. The test involves the product being held horizontally under the influence of a radiant heat source at one end. It is ignited at that end and the radiant heat flux at the point at which combustion ceases is determined. This is the Critical Radiant Flux or Critical Heat Flux. The heat flux at the hot end is 11 kw/m 2 while at the cool end it is 1.0 kw/m 2. During the test the floorcovering is allowed to burn under the influence of the radiant heat source. There is just sufficient air movement in the test chamber to remove the products of combustion into the flue. The amount of smoke generated is also determined using a light extinction smoke metre mounted in the flue. The test requires that it be conducted on the floor covering assembly that will be used in practice. This means the floor covering, any glue and underlay used in its installation and the type of substrate over which it will be installed must be tested. These assemblies include underlays and glues (if used) to represent the Conventional, Direct Stick and Double Bond installation methods. Sample burning during the CRF test The brochure Frequently Asked Questions on Testing to AS/ISO :2003 for the Building Code of Australia Version 1.2 (2011.pdf) ( publications) provides answers to a range of commonly asked questions about the use of this test. Tests for the Environmental Certification Scheme (ECS) Entry Level Certification The ECS Entry Level Certification component of the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme is based on the following three test methods. (i) Indoor Air Quality - ISO10580:2010 Resilient textile and laminate floor coverings Test method for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions This test uses chemical analytical methods to determine the presence and amount of a range of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emanating from the floor covering components. The carpet sample is placed in a small chamber from which an air sample is drawn. This air sample is then passed through a tube containing absorbent material. The amount of anolyte absorbed onto this absorbent material is analysed by a suitable method (e.g. gas chromatography) and the emission of each VOC is calculated. The ECS sets limits for a range of VOC emissions. page 22

26 (ii) Acoustics - AS/NZS 2107:2000, AS ISO 140.6:2006 and AS ISO 717.2:2004 The AS/NZS 2107:2000 specifies methods of measuring the ambient sound level and reverberation time in occupied spaces in new and existing buildings. It does not measure the occupancy noise. The standard also provides recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for buildings. The test uses a sound level meter shown to comply with AS Measurements are taken when the building is completed and ready for occupancy but unoccupied. The Reverberation time, calculated using this method is used in the ECS scheme. The test method used for impact sound reduction and noise attenuation is AS ISO 140.6:2006. It provides a method for evaluating the sound insulating performance of an isolated building element in the laboratory. The values of sound reduction index measured according to this standard can be used to calculate a single number characterizing the acoustical performance of the building element. The ECS also uses AS ISO 717.2:2004 for the determination of Impact Sound Pressure Level Ln,w and the Spectrum Adaption term C l in a building. This has relevance to the transmission of noise between building levels. (iii) Thermal Insulation - ISO 8302:1991 The comfort factor supplied by carpet is due to its insulating and low thermal conduction properties. Thermal comfort also translates into energy and Greenhouse gas savings in room heating and cooling. The R-value (expressed in Watts per meter squared per degree Kelvin) is used to measure a material s resistance to heat transfer or thermal resistance the higher the R-value the greater the insulating effect. Thermal insulation is measured using ISO 8302:1991Thermal Insulation Determination of Steady State Thermal Resistance and Related Properties Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus. A floor covering specimen is placed between a heating plate and a cooling plate and the temperature difference and heat flow rate through the specimen are recorded at steady state (i.e. when the flow of heat between the heating and cooling plates has stabilised). The apparatus is equipped with a range of guard rings or frames to help reduce the effect of heat losses at the edges of the specimen. Test results indicate that the R-value is dependent on the thickness of the carpet sample tested Worldwide Testing Authorities For a list of worldwide testing authorities for textile products visit: page 23

27 Back to Technical Guidelines CARPET PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION Tufted SPECIFICATION C2 DATE: INSTALLATION: Light Contract/Heavy Residential CLIENT: Hotel Bedroom, General Heavy Residential, Trafficking Density 3,000 passages/week CONTRACT: 1. Pile Fibre: (AWTA T41) 80% selected carpet wools containing a proportion of wools classed as specialty types i.e.wools with crimp and/or medullation. Percentage(s) of the specialty type(s) in the blend of wools will be governed by the type of carpet which is to be manufactured and should be stated by the manufacturer in submitting any tender. 20% polyamide fibres of length and diameter compatible with the wool used in the blend. 2. Wool Fibre Quality: (AWTA T30) Averaging not finer than 33 microns. 3. Yarn Construction: Multi Ply 4. Pile Construction: Cut 5. Surface Pile Mass: (AWTA T32) 870g/m 2 (±5% tolerance) To assist in discussions with carpet suppliers the surface pile mass minimum specified in this document is based on a straight stitching tufted construction and approximates to a total pile mass range of 1160g/m 2 to 1280g/m 2. Should a patterned tufted be decided upon at a later date i.e. a pattern produced on the tufting machine, the surface pile mass/total pile mass relationship must be reconsidered and re-specified. The use of non-woven primary backing which is used in many constructions has been shown to eliminate a number of problems associated with tufting and related processes. Its use however, complicates the accurate determination of surface pile mass and therefore when it is used, a total pile mass determination should be carried out on un-backed carpet i.e. carpet straight from the tufting machine. The surface mass minimum specified in this document is based on a sliding needle bar construction and equates with a 1220g/m 2 total pile mass. Should the pattern vary from that discussed, the surface pile mass/total pile mass relationship must be reconsidered and re-specified. 6. Pile Thickness Above Backing: (AWTA T33B) 7mm (±1mm tolerance) 7. Colourfastness to Light of Pile: (AWTA T35A, Xenotest) 5 (minimum) 8. Colourfastness to Shampoo solution of Pile: (AWTA T56) 3-4 (minimum) 9. Colourfastness to Rubbing of Pile: (AWTA T52B) 3-4 (minimum) 10. Colourfastness to Wet Cleaning of Pile: (AWTA T36, ISO 2) 3-4 (minimum) 11. Colourfastness to Dry Cleaning Solvents: (AWTA T53) 3-4 (minimum) Performance Specifications-Light Contract/Heavy Residential page 24

28 Back to Technical Guidelines 12. Tuft Security: (AWTA T34) Cut pile 6 N (minimum) 13. Oil Content of Pile Extraction using relevant solvent: (AWTA T31) 1.0% (maximum) Backing (AWTA T31B) 14. Insect Resistance: (AWTA T37) The wool pile fibre shall be treated against moth and carpet beetle attack by applying an adequate amount of an approved insecticide. For example: Mitin BC: Not less than 0.25% Eulan SPN Not less than 0.25% Mitin AL Not less than 0.28% Perigen Not less than 0.25% These are some of the available products and are not shown as examples on the basis of being the only suitable insecticides. 15. Backing: Primary Backing: 115 g/m 2 (minimum) Heat Stabilised Woven Polypropylene. Secondary Backing: if used, 270 g/m 2 (minimum) plain weave hessian. Backing Adhesion: (AWTA T58) For both warp and weft direction mean bond strength value - 40 N (minimum). No individual specimen test result shall be less than 36 N. Manufacturers shall be entitled to submit a further sample and request a retest if the mean or an individual result is within 10% of the specified minimum. i.e. Any individual result must exceed 31.5 N and/or the mean bond strength value for either direction must be above 36 N before a retest will be considered. The retest results shall be combined with the original results and the mean bond strength value must equal or exceed 40 N unless it can be shown that the original result is invalid. 16. Non-Flammability of Pile: Specification C1.10a referencing ISO :2003 (AWTA T18A) and the Code of Practice published by the Carpet Institute of Australia Limited. 17. Appearance Retention: (AWTA T44 D2) Hexapod Tumbler Test - Short term (1500 cycles) and long term (8000 cycles) appearance change together with pile thickness loss. 18. Colours/Designs: To be chosen according to the designer s requirements. 19. Width: 366cm To be decided, (based on the relationship of the most economical laying width to the most economical manufacturing width). 20. Dimensions of Modular System: According to room dimensions and/or requirements of access to services. Testing to the AWTA test methods quoted in this specification can be conducted by the Australian Wool Performance Specifications-Light Contract/Heavy Residential page 25