Mohawk Unveils New SmartStrand Fiber

Dalton, GA, November 18--According to Mohawk Industries, its new SmartStrand fiber made with DuPont’s Sorona® Polymer is the “biggest fiber innovation in 20 years.” That’s how strongly Mohawk feels about this new technology, first being introduced into the Horizon Collection by Mohawk, Mohawk Floorscapes, and Mohawk ColorCenter lines. SmartStrand fiber with DuPont Sorona polymer is a Mohawk exclusive, and promises benefits in performance, stain resistance, and comfort. Ed Williams, Mohawk’s senior vice president of marketing, said that "SmartStrand fiber made with DuPont’s Sorona polymer has the resilience of nylon, coupled with remarkable stain resistance and a very soft hand." Unlike many stain treatments that are added to the fiber after manufacture, SmartStrand’s stain resistance is engineered into the fiber, so it will never wear off, no matter how many times it is cleaned. And this built-in stain resistance reaches new levels of protection, allowing tough stains such as mustard and red wine to be removed with warm water and a mild detergent or Mohawk Floorcare Essentials. Tests show that it even resists damage from bleach and acne medications. In fact, its stain resistance is so good that Mohawk is offering its first-ever Limited Lifetime Warranty for stain resistance. "You’re looking at a product that will do things that other fibers just can’t," Williams said. SmartStrand fiber made with DuPont Sorona polymer has been in development at Mohawk for more than two years. It has an all new chemical makeup, from a family of polymers based on 1,3-propanediol (PDO). The chemical shorthand for the polymer name is 3GT. Like nylon, SmartStrand fiber made with DuPont Sorona polymer is readily dyeable, giving carpet designers an infinite range of colors. In fact, as many as three different dyeing processes can be used with the fiber, so there are new options for multi-color effects. Research also indicated that wearability and durability performance is equal to or better than equivalent constructions of premium nylon. The product is also inherently soft. While not technically a soft yarn, SmartStrand has a good hand with a very good tactile, full feeling. And it provides this comfort without having to reduce the fiber’s denier and compromise performance characteristics. SmartStrand fiber made with DuPont Sorona polymer lends itself to a wide range of carpet constructions as well—standard textures, friezes, berber flecks, high-twist styles—providing the ability to use the fiber readily through all price points. Williams noted that Mohawk had considered looking at a new line of solution-dyed nylon products directed to residential use, but shelved the idea with the advent of SmartStrand fiber. Demonstrations are being set up at Mohawk’s regional shows to showcase SmartStrand fiber made with DuPont Sorona polymer’s cleanability. The demonstrations clearly show superior cleanability using problem stains such as mustard dried for days, red wine, benzoil peroxide, and other materials. Retailers will be able to see first hand the difference between SmartStrand products and other fibers. A DVD of the demonstration will be available at retail to show customers the value of the product’s engineered-in stain resistance, and actual samples will also show cleanability. "We think this is critical," Williams said. "Consumers have come to expect stain resistant treatments, but we want them to understand why the engineered-in stain performance of SmartStrand is a giant step forward." SmartStrand fiber made from DuPont Sorona polymer is being introduced through a collection called New Generation in the Horizon Collection by Mohawk line, as well as exclusive lines in Mohawk Floorscapes and Mohawk ColorCenter stores. Products will be available in the second quarter of 2005.