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AKRO TUFTED POLYPROPYLENE CARPET FOR BUSINESS AIRCRAFT
Akro, a leading worldwide supplier of fire protection products for commercial airlines, is pleased to announce the first fully FAA approved aircraft carpet based upon polypropylene fiber.
During the last ten years, polypropylene has emerged as a significant growth fiber in the commercial carpet industry. Most commercial carpet is tufted versus woven. Tufting is a process whereby tufts of yarn are inserted through a fabric called the primary backing. This process allows for greater manufacturing speed and hence lower cost. Primary reasons for the growth of polypropylene as a yarn fiber in tufted carpet include superior stain resistance versus wool and other synthetic fibers, better color fastness, very low moisture absorbency, low static propensity inherent in the polypropylene fiber, and lower specific gravity than other synthetics allowing for denser, more wear resistant, tufted carpets.
Most of the characteristics of polypropylene as a fiber for commercial tufted carpet also make it an ideal choice for business aircraft. Due to the carpet density and the abrasion resistance of the fiber, it performs well in heavy foot traffic areas. In addition, it offers a softer, more homelike feel. However, for commercial aircraft, Akro recommends woven nylon carpet. The two primary factors that warrant this recommendation are the resilience or muscle memory of nylon, which allows it to bounce back from repeated heavy cart usage plus the inherent advantages of the weaving process. Weaving means "interlacing threads or yarns into an intimate or coherent whole". This interlacing provides mechanical support that helps to eliminate tracking. For more information on commercial aircraft carpet, please refer to Mohawk Woven Nylon Carpet.
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