cable twist

A construction of thread, yarn, cord, or rope in which each successive twist is in the direction opposite the preceding twist; i.e., and S/Z/S or Z/S/Z construction.

cable twister

A machine used to place an exact number of twists per inch in plied yarn.

cable yarn

A yarn made with a cable twist resulting in a strong, regular yarn.  A yarn formed by twisting together two or more plied yarns.

calcium carbonate

An insoluble compound that occurs naturally in chalk, bone, shell, and limestone, that results from the reaction of sodium carbonate and hard water ions.  In its crystallized form it produces marble.

calcium chloride

A highly hygroscopic compound used in an anhydrous (dry) state for testing moisture content of various surfaces.  A dry sample is weighed, then placed on a surface (concrete slab)  and allowed to absorb moisture for a specified time.  The sample is weighed again to determine the weight of moisture absorption.

calorie

The amount of heat required at one atmosphere of pressure to raise the temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius.

calorific

The heat generating property of light, especially sunlight, which accelerates chemical degradation of fabrics or dyes.  cp “actinic”

cam loom

A loom in which the shedding is performed by means of cams.  A velvet loom.

cambric

Originally, a thin white linen fabric, but today the term refers to any plain woven (cotton or cotton/polyester), relatively inexpensive fabric used primarily for linings or coverings on upholstered furniture (e.g., platform covering, skirt liner, cushion cover).

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

The Canadian counterpart to the U.S. OSHA, headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario (800-263-8276)

Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)

Canadian governmental agency headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, responsible for the implementation and enforcement of labor law.

Canadian Manufactures Association (CMA)

A Canadian association representing a diverse group of industrial manufacturers, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.

Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA)

An organization responsible for the representation of public health interests located in Ottawa, Ontario and through whom IARC publications may be obtained.  (613-725-3769)

Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Canadian association representing a diverse group of industrial manufacturers, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.

Canutec

Canadian agency located in Ottawa, Ontario, which deals with the transport or release of dangerous goods.

cap and band

Covering a tread and its riser with two separate pieces of carpet.

cap coating

Use of nylon fiber on the top side of a primary backing in order to accept dye and make the backing approximately the color of the carpet yarn.  Cap coating disguises the primary backing when the carpet “grins”, especially on stair nosings and on certain types of edge moldings.

caprolactam

A petrochemical, containing one chain of six (6) carbon atoms, which is the basic raw material for type 6 nylon.  cp “adipic acid:  hexamethylene diamine”

Capture ®

A dry absorbent powder (polymer based) cleaning compound produced by Milliken Chemical Corporation.

carbon dioxide

(CO₂ A colorless, odorless, nonflammable, potentially hazardous gas, during photosynthesis and converted into oxygen.  Elevated levels of C0₂ are used as an indicator of ineffective ventilation indoors.  Too many people in a confined airspace can cause carbon dioxide poisoning, with symptoms of head aches and dizziness.

carbon fiber

A high tensile fiber or whisker made by heating rayon or polyacrylonitrile fibers or petroleum residues to appropriate temperatures.  Fibers may be 7 to 8 microns in diameter and are more than 90% carbonized.

carbon monoxide (CO)

A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from incomplete combustion of carbon.  The EPA ambient air quality TLV for carbon monoxide is 35 ppm for 1 hour, and 9 ppm for an 8 hour period.

carbonizing

A chemical process for eliminating cellulosic material from wool or other animal fibers.  The material is reacted with sulfuric acid or hydrogen chloride gas followed by heating.  When the material is dry, the carbonized cellulose material is dust like and can be removed.

carboxyl end group

The chain terminating group found in polyamide and polyester polymers.

carcinogen

A substance or agent that can cause a growth of abnormal tissue or tumors in humans or animals.  A materiel identified as an animal carcinogen does not necessarily cause cancer in humans.  Examples of human carcinogens include coal tar (skin cancer), and vinyl chloride (liver cancer).

card

A machine used in the processing of staple yarns.  Its functions are to separate, align (parallel) and deliver staple fibers in a sliver form and to remove impurities..  This machine incorporates large, counter rotating drums that are covered with carding fabric (many projecting wire teeth) for this important function in yarn spinning.

Short staple systems employ flat strips covered with card clothing rather than small rolls.

card clothing

The material used to cover the working surfaces of the card, i.e., cylinder and rolls or flats.  The clothing consists of either wire teeth set in a foundation fabric or rubber, or narrow serrated metal flutes which are spirally arranged around the roll.  The metallic wire has the appearance of a band saw blade.

card conversion efficiency

The efficiency of the carding process, expressed as a percentage obtained from the ratio of sliver output to staple input.

carded yarn

A cotton yarn that has been carded but not combed.  Carded yarns contain wider range of fiber lengths and, as a result, are not as uniform  or as strong as combed yarns.  They are considerable cheaper and are used in medium and coarse counts.

carding

A process in the manufacture of spun yarns whereby the staple is opened, cleaned, aligned, and formed into a continuous, untwisted string called sliver.

Aligning staple fibers in a parallel configuration to produce uniform, constant density slivers for delivery to yarn spinning frames.  Carding helps remove impurities and unusable (short) fibers from natural fiber stock (cotton, wool).

Carothers, Dr. Wallace

The inventor of nylon. Dr. Carothers invented nylon for E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. in 1938.  He first developed and refined type 6,6 nylon, which has been the most used nylon type in U.S. carpet manufacturing.

carpet

Designation for a soft floor covering fabric.  The word carpet has been used interchangeable to describe a wall-t-to-wall installed product or a rug, which is not fastened to the floor.  Today, however, it is most often used to describe installed broadloom.

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)

U.S. carpet manufacturers non-profit trade association located in Dalton, Georgia.  (800-882-8846)

carpet backing

A primary backing through which the carpet tufts are inserted is always required for tufted carpets.  The backing is usually made of woven jute or nonwoven manufactured fiber fabrics.  A secondary backing made of jute or manufactured fibers, is normally added at the latex backcoating stage.  Carpet backings are an important end use for nonwoven fabrics.

carpet base cutter

A cutting tool with replaceable blade width adjustment and guide that facilitates cutting carpet strips to be used as a cover base material.

carpet comb

A carpet finishing tool made of a block of stubby, flexible plastic teeth, which is particularly effective in finishing (grooming) velvet plush pile designs.

A tool similar to a nap brush, except that instead of bristles, this tool has flexible spikes placed very close together, used for setting the nap on plushes or cut piles.  (See Photo)

carpet cushion (carpet padding)

A term used to describe any kind of material placed under carpet to provide added support for the pile structure.  Not only does carpet cushion (carpet padding) provide a softer feel underfoot, it provides added acoustical and thermal benefits and longer wear life for the carpet.  In some cases the carpet cushion (carpet padding) is attached to the carpet when it is manufactured.  Also referred to as lining, padding, or underlay.  carpet cushion (carpet padding) is the preferred term.

carpet cutter

1.  conventional back cutter - A hand cutting tool used for cutting secondary backs other than foam or cushion materials.  It can be used from the face or back and is normally used with straight edge and chalk line.  2.  cushion back cutter - A hand cutting tool used to cut cushion or foam backed carpet, working from the face of the carpet using a straight edge or following the rows on a level loop construction.  The blade angle allows the cutter to slice through the foam and not tear adhered backing materials.  3.  loop pile cutter - A hand tool used for cutting all straight row tufted woven loop fabrics.  It is inserted between the rows and pushed straight forward.  4.  machine cutter - An electrically driven tool with a circular blade that is used for cutting carpet primarily in warehouses or workrooms.

Carpet roller

A steel roller unit with long “T” handle, used to remove air pockets and bubbles and to assure contact between carpet and adhesive during direct glue or double glue carpet installations.  Unlike heavier resilient floor rollers, the carpet roller only weights from 28 to 45 pounds.

carpet squares/tiles

Loose laid, self adhesive backed, or direct glued tiles of carpet, made from a tufted or bonded construction with a vinyl backing. Can be loose or self-adhesive backed

carpet trimmer

1.  Conventional trimmer - A hand operated, dual blade trimming tool that makes a 1/2 ² over net cut at walls with carpet installed over cushion and tackless.  Most are adjustable in both height and thickness.  If tackless is properly spaced from the wall when installed,  the blade guide can be used to tuck the carpet into the tackless channel gully as well.  2.  cushion back trimmer  -  A hand tool used in making net cuts at the wall with carpet or resilient flooring to be cemented directly to the floor.  Most have the adaptability of using different blades for cutting various types of floor covering materials.  3.  wall trimmer - A single or double bladed hand tool used to cut excess carpet at the wall.

carpet tucker

1.  conventional tucker - A wide spring steel paddle with wooden handle used for pushing carpet into the gully behind the tackless strip.  2.  pogo tucker - A flat bladed (stair tool like) tucker with a weighted steel handle.  When the weighted handle is pushed downward, inertia of motion drives the blade into the carpet, and the carpet is forced into the gully.  The spring then returns the handle to its original position for the next tuck.

carpet underlay

A separate fabric which is used to provide cushioning for carpet.  Carpet underlays are made of hair and jute, sponge rubber, bonded urethane, or foamed urethane.

carpet wool

Low, coarse wool, obtained from unimproved sheep and used in the manufacture of carpet.  There is very little produced in the U.S.

carrier

1.  A product added to a dye bath to promote the dyeing of hydrophobic man-made fibers and characterized by affinity for, and ability to swell, the fiber.  2.  A person in apparent good health who carries a pathogenic microorganism (germ).  3.  A moving holder for a package of yarn used on a braiding machine.  4.  A term used to describe the tube or bobbin on which yarn is wound.

carrierless dyeing variants

Polymers that have been modified to increase their dye ability.  Fibers and fabrics made from these polymers can be dyed at the boil without the use of carrier.

cast coating

A method by which resinous materials such as vinyl are coated onto a fabric and cured by heated casting drums.

castile

Originally, this referred to soap made from olive oil in Castile, Spain.  Now it refers to any mild soap made from vegetable oils.

catalyst

1. A chemical that accelerates a reaction.  The catalyst is not part of the reaction but increases the rate at which it takes place.  2.  A substance that initiates a chemical reaction and allows it to continue under less than favorable conditions.  An agent that provokes significant change.

caterpillar

A large slub formed in a combination or plied yarn as a result of one of the ends breaking and sliding or skinning back along the other yarn.

cationic dyeable

Nylon polymer that has been modified chemically to make the fiber receptive to cationic (basic) dye.  Cationic dyeable yarns are used in conjunction with acid dyeable yarns to create multicolor graphic patterns in piece dyeing.

cationic dyeable variants

Polymers modified chemically to make them receptive to cationic dyes.

cationic surfactant

A surface active agent in which detergency and other properties depend in part on the positively charged ion of the molecule.  Cationic surfactants are marginally cleaners; but they have other properties that allow them to perform effectively as disinfectants, antimicrobials, antistatic compounds, etc.  The most common cationic surfactants are known as quaternary ammonium chloride compounds, such as alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride.  These are widely used as disinfecting and sanitizing products

caulk

An elastic compound made of rubber, silicone, asphalt, or other compounds designed to fill in cracks or openings around doors, windows, siding, etc.

caustic

The property of a chemical (usually a base) that enables it to burn, corrode, dissolve, or eat away other substances.  When the term caustic is used alone, it usually refers to sodium hydroxide, which is used in manufacturing hard soap.  It also refers to caustic potash (potassium hydroxide), which is used in manufacturing soft soap.

caustic soda

See sodium hydroxide.  The. common name for sodium hydroxide.

cavitation

The formation of partial vacuums in a fluid, caused by high frequency sound waves.

ceiling plenum

The space below the flooring and above the suspended ceiling that accumulates the mechanical and electrical equipment that is used as part of the air conveyance system.  This space is kept under negative pressure.

cell

The smallest structural part of living matter capable of functioning as an independent unit.

cellulose

1.  A carbohydrate which is the chief component of the cell walls of plants.  Cellulose is found in wood and in cotton, linen, jute, hemp, and all of the base, leaf, and stem fibers.  It is a basic raw material in the manufacture of rayon, acetate, and triacetate fibers.  2. A polysaccharide of flucose units that is the basic building block of plant cells (cp cotton; jute).  Also used as a basic raw material in the manufacture of rayon and acetate. 

cellulose acetate

See acetate fiber.

cellulosic

Fibers that are related to or made from cellulose.  Examples are:  cotton (cellulose), rayon (regenerated cellulose), acetate (cellulose acetate), and traicetate (cellulose triacetate).

Celsius (c or C)

An international thermometric scale (cp centigrade).

cement

A powder of alumina, silica, lime, iron oxide, and magnesia burned together in a kiln, and finely pulverized and used as an ingredient of mortar and concrete.

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

A federal agency that monitors communicable diseases and specializes in the medical aspects of IAQ.

centigrade  (c or C)

A scale for measuring temperature.  On the centigrade scale, water boils at 100 degrees and freezes at 0 degrees (cp Fahrenheit).  Centigrade is converted to Fahrenheit by multiplying by 9, dividing by 5, and adding 32.

centrifuge

A machine that employs centrifugal force to remove excess liquid from fabrics.  In general, centrigues are also used to separate materials of different densities.

ceramic tile

Clay tile with an impervious, usually glazed or glossy, layer on its surface.

ceramic tile cutter

A mechanical cutter with a flat metal bed covered with sponge rubber pads.  The cutter has a cross bar that has a cutting handle with either solid or multi-wheel cutters to score the ceramic tile.  After being scored by the wheel, the ceramic tile is broken along the scored line using pressure from the cutting handle.  tile cutters score diagonally or straight and can very in size depending on the size tile being cut.

CFM

See cubic feet per minute.

CFU

See Colony Forming Units

Chain

1.  The binder warp yarn that works over and under the filling shots of the carpet.  2.  Axminster loom refers to the endless chain that carries the tube frames.  3. Dobby loom refers to the endless chain of pattern selector bars.

chain binders

1.  Yarns running in the warp direction on the back of a woven carpet which hold construction yarns together.  2.  Yarns running warpwise (lengthwise) in the back of the carpet.  As the name implies, they bind all construction yarns together.  The chain binder runs alternately over and under the weft binding and filling yarns, thereby pulling the pile yarn down and the stuffer yarns up for a tightly woven construction.

chain dyeing

A method of dyeing yarns and fabrics of low tensile strength by tying them end-to-end and running them through the dye bath in a continuous process.

chain

The binder warp yarn that works over and under the filling shots of the carpet.

chalk line

a marking device made of cotton, polyester or nylon line wound within a metal or plastic case filled with chalk.  When extended and snapped, the powdered chalk is released from the line onto the surface being for straight cutting.

chalkiness

1.  A dull, whitened appearance sometimes associated with certain extra dull colors.  2.  A fillingwise fabric defect observed as bands varying in luster or sheen.

chameleon

A variable multicolored effect achieved by using warp yarns of one color and two filling yarns of different colors in each shed.  It is sometimes used in taffeta, faille, or poplin made from silk or manufactured filament yarns.

change in length on untwisting

The increase or decrease in length measured when a specimen is untwisted.  The change is expressed as the percentage extension or contraction of the nominal gauge length of the specimen, i.e., specimen length prior to untwisting.

char length

In flammability testing, the distance from the edge of the sample exposed to the flame to the upper edge of the charred or void area.

checking

A pattern of hairline cracks in furniture finish caused by swelling of the wood when exposed to excess moisture or humidity.

chelating agent

An organic sequestering agent, used primarily in laundry products, that inactivates water hardness minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and reduces the adverse effects (yellow discolorations) of dissolved metals such as iron and manganese.

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)

A Columbus, Ohio organization that indexes information published in “Chemical Abstracts” by the American Chemical Society, and provides index guides by which information about particular substances may be located in Abstracts when needed.

chemical cartridge respirator

A respirator that uses a chemical cartridge to purify inhaled air of certain gases and vapors.  This type respirator is effective for concentrations no more than ten times the TLV of the contaminant, if the contaminant has warning properties (odor or irritation) below the TLV.

chemical finishing

Processes in which additives are applied to change the aesthetic and functional properties of a material.  Examples are: The applications of antioxidants, flame retardants, wetting agents, and stain and water repellents.

Chemtrec

Chemical Transportation Emergency Center.  A national center established by the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA), Washington, D.C. in 1970, to relay pertinent emergency information concerning specific chemicals on request.  Chemtrec has a 24 hour, toll free telephone number (800-424-9300), that is intended primarily for use by those who respond to chemical transportation’s emergencies.

chenille

1. A pile fabric made by sewing rows of surface yarns in a fur or caterpillar form through strong, plain woven cotton backing.  In upholstery fabrics, pile yarns are usually cut, rather than loop, and may be made of cotton, wool, rayon, or silk.  Cotton chenille bedspreads are reported to be forerunner of the tufted carpet industry. 2.A pile fabric woven by the insertion of a prepared weft row of surface yarn tufts in a fur or caterpillar form through very fine but strong cotton catcher warp yarns, and over a heavy woolen backing yarn.  A term also used to denote machine tufted bedspreads ( a technical misnomer).

Derived from the French word for caterpillar, is a custom made cut pile fabric woven on two looms.  The first loom produces a fur on chenille blanker which is cut and shaped into V-strips.  These fur or chenille strips which form the pile surface are woven into a heavy woolen backing and held firmly by strong catcher threads.  It is woven in any yarn shape, size, design, and seamless to 30 feet wide.

chevron brush

A broad term applied to prints in zigzag stripes or to herringbone weaves.

chintz

plain woven, usually printed, cotton, polyester, rayon, or blended fabric treated with durable or non-durable resins, and glazed or set with hot rollers or heat curing.  Also known as polished cotton, chintz has a high gloss appearance.  The non-durable glaze is usually made of wax and starch compounds set with hot rollers; while the durable glaze consists of urea ormelamine resins that are applied and heat cured.  The glazed finish may be dulled with abrasive use, body oils or aggressive cleaning.

chip

1.  The form of polymer feedstock used in fiber production. 2.  The feedstock for a pulp digestion.  3.  A defect in a nonwoven fabric.

chlorinated solvent

An organic, non-polar dry solvent that contains chlorine atoms  (e.g., perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane).

chlorine bleach

Strong oxidizing agents that have one or more chlorine atoms in their molecular makeup.  Liquid chlorine bleach products for home use (e.g., Clorox TM, Purex TM are normally 5.25% solutions of sodium hypochlorite (NaC10); 6% in Canada (havexTM).  Chlorine bleach also may be found in bathroom cleansers, dish washing compounds, and powdered or liquid laundry detergents (potassium or sodium dichloroisocyanurate).  Chlorine bleach should not be used with silk, wool, chlorine sensitive dyes and on certain stains, such as rust, which it can set.  In an 1/2% solution (mixed 1:9 or 1:4), chlorine bleach Is an effective germicide.  The addition of ammonia or acids to chlorine bleach liberates toxic chlorine gas.

chlorine retention

A characteristic of several resins and textile finishes whereby they retain some of the chlorine from bleach.  On heating of the goods, the chlorine forms hydrochloric acid, causing tendering of the cloth.  This is especially true of certain wrinkle resistant finishes for cotton and rayon.

chromaticity

The quality of color expressed as a function of wavelength and purity.

chromatography

The generic name of a group of processes for separating and analyzing mixtures of chemical compounds.  The separation depends on the redistribution of molecules of the mixture between phases, one of which is thin, often reaching molecular dimensions. For this reason, molecular size and shape are important in the separation, and extremely subtle separation are possible.

chronic exposure

Long term contact with a substance, usually lasting from several weeks to a lifetime.

chronic toxicity

Adverse (chronic) effects resulting from repeated doses of, or prolonged exposure to, a substance over a relatively prolonged period, with resulting long term, poisonous human health effects.  Ordinarily, chronic toxicity is used to describe effects in experimental animals.

circling

Circular streaks left on the carpet after a rotary shampooing because of improper cleaning technique by the operator.  Rings or spots resulting from uneven wetting, or from “wicking” of moisture into home decor fabrics (upholstery, draperies) from damp carpet.

circuit breakers

A device designed to open automatically when subjected to an overload of electrical current.  It’s objective is to prevent damage to electrically operated devices, injury to humans, or structural fires.

citric acid

An organic acid used in cleaning, primarily to neutralize alkalinity, and prevent or correct browning, yellowing or general discolorations resulting from cellulose degradation, or chemical reaction discolorations.

cladosporium

A fungus commonly found in the outdoor environment, especially in soil.

Clean Air Act

Federal law enacted to regulate/reduce air pollution; administered by the EPA.

Clean Water Act