The only proper method of carpet
fiber identification is the tried and true approach, often overlooked, but never forgotten.
The following chart will guide you through and help you sort out a few areas of confusion.
The Burn Chart
Fiber
Action
Color
Special
Note
Odor
Wool
Burns
Orange
Self extinguishes
Hair
Silk
Burns
Orange
Self extinguishes
Feathers
Nylon
Melts
Blue/Orange
Celery
Olefin
Melts
Blue/Orange
Asphalt/ Tar
Polyester
Melts
Orange
Dense Black Smoke
Sweet/ Fruity
Acrylic
Melts
Orange
Harsh/Acrid
Fiber Characteristics Chart
Fiber
Type
Ad/Ab
pH
**
Dissolves
in
Wool
Natural
Absorbent
5.0 - 5.8
Chlorine Bleach
Silk
Natural
Absorbent
5.0 -5.8
Chlorine Bleach
Nylon
Synthetic
Absorbent
1.5 - 13
Hydrochloric Acid
Stain Resistant Nylon
Synthetic
Absorbent*
Under 10
Hydrochloric Acid
Olefin
Synthetic
Adsorbent
1.5 - 13
Polyester
Synthetic
Adsorbent
Under 10
Acrylic
Synthetic
Adsorbent
Under 10
* May act like an adsorbent
fiber
** Always pre-test all products prior to using
