Looking Beyond the Surface: Performance Standards in Carpet Backings

The foundation of carpet performance is based on the characteristics of the carpet backing system. In the commercial setting, improved performance is increasingly demanded by the carpet specifier. Performance carpet backing systems are based on several polymer systems, with polyurethanes leading the way. An approach is offered in this seminar to provide better specification methods that correlate with performance in use. The current model for specification of carpet utilizes test methodology that has been in use for decades. In large part, it has become a “Numbers Game”, involving a meaningless competition of test numbers that do not necessarily relate to performance. These tests typically are conducted on new carpet and have no demonstrated connection to performance in use over time. Carpet, like any other purchase, is only new on its first day of use. After that, the product undergoes traffic, cleaning, changes in ambient conditions, and a myriad of other attacks, all of which can impact the performance of the product. Dow has employed performance testing in the development and warranty support of it’s entire line of high performance polyurethane carpet backing systems since the mid ‘80’s. A strong correlation of the performance of the carpet with the results of the Roller Caster Chair Test (as described in DIN 54324) has been established, with many millions of yards of carpet as the foundation. Through this experience, new carpet testing has largely been eliminated as a measure of performance, and complete commitment to the performance testing has been made. Taking this methodology out of the Dow labs and into the industry is the current thrust, with proposals in front of ASTM and ISO for adoption. The approach yields an improved basis for decision making by specifier, promising greater satisfaction over the life cycle of the product. The reader can consider this carpet backing example as a demonstration of a solution to a universal need: for meaningful specifications.