Week 11 Blog Cushions & Soft Floorcoverings

 Weekly Summary 

In this week's learnings and readings we covered the various kinds of soft floorcoverings including their overall structure and the evaluations they undergo to ensure prompt and adequate installation. 

Types of Cushions and Their Materials 

When looking at the kinds of cushions and their makeup, one key component to note is the material use of jute. Jute fiber cushions are a type of fibrous cushion that is very sustainable and somewhat durable but is often not as comfy as other alternatives and does not contain the moisture resistance that other materials might have. On the other hand polyester fiber cushions are very easy to clean and have mold resistant qualities but they are not as permeable as other materials which causes them to retain heat in hot weather. Foam fiber cushions are inexpensive to create and hold their shape for lengthy periods of time, but they have short lifespans and limited resilience. Cotton fiber cushions are soft and long-lasting, although they lose their shape with time and may attract bugs. 

Rippled sponge rubber cushions are recognized by their highly textured surface with ridges running across their face. These ridges enhance the cushion's ability to distribute pressure, maintain its original shape, and reduce bottoming out. Rippled sponge rubber cushions are frequently utilized in applications requiring pressure distribution and comfort. The smooth surface of flat sponge rubber cushions provides continuous support and stability without the benefit of surface characteristics. They are typically employed in places that require consistent support.

Polyurethane foam cushions are less prone to bottoming out because they are made with a higher density, which increases firmness and allows it to give superior support and resistance to compression. This guarantees that it keeps its shape and support for longer periods of time. This makes it perfect for applications requiring long-term durability and resistance to flattening, such as mattresses or high-traffic seats.

Floorcovering Conventionality 

When installing floor coverings a huge factor is making them functional and effective to all ranges of accessibility for those who may have handicapped restrictions. One way of doing this is the use of rug grippers. Rug grippers or rug pads are used to help keep rugs in place on various types of flooring to reduce rug walking or crawling. These rug cushions are non-slip and provide traction, keeping the rug from shifting or bunching up, which is beneficial for persons with limited mobility. Another method is to vacuum and clean the floor beneath the rug on a regular basis to prevent the collection of dust and debris that may lead to slipping. Choosing carpets with larger weights or greater pile heights can help improve stability and reduce movement.

 Another important element is considering the construction density of the pile in carpets and rugs and how it significantly impacts their end-use. Higher pile density results in a more durable and long-lasting product which is predominantly used for high-traffic areas while lower density can create a softer feel that is great for bedrooms or low-traffic spaces. Pile height also correlates with more expensive products as taller piles offer a more luxurious and cushioned texture that are more comfortable. while shorter piles on the other hand, are easier to clean and maintain, making them better for areas with frequent spills or pets. The weight of the pile affects the overall quality and appearance with heavier piles tending to be more resilient making them a preferred choice for commercial settings, while lighter piles may be chosen for their ease of cleaning and maintenance in residential environments.

Research Initiative - Carpet Making In The U.S. 

When taking a look at carpet manufacturing in the United States it is important to note that most carpets are made from synthetic materials instead of natural fibers due to their relatively cheap cost and high performance. First in the creation process is feeding pounds of base polyester in a fluffy, cotton like state into an opening and blending machine to make the carpet fibers. The fibers are then untangled by a carting machine that entwines it by the use of rolling pins. The polyester is then streamed through a series of machines that wind the threads together before it is heat set giving it its finished state before it is toted of in bins to a tufting machine that tufts over 1,200 needles into a polypropylene backing to create the carpet. All this is done through a series of machinery with little to no human intervention within the process. 

Resources: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8lFcy0VXWg