The main properties of machine-made carpets which are produced in Aegean region and fibers used in production

ABSTRACT With the experience gained from hand-woven carpet weaving tradition and the usage of new technologies in machine made carpet production, machine-made carpet industry developed so much in our country, that it has now an important role in the textile sector. Increasing product rate of machine-made carpets caused quality to he more important for competition in both local and international markets. Today, machine- made carpets are being produced for local markets in Ege Region too, while possible exporting conditions are being improved by increasing the quality of carpets. With this study on "The main properties of machine-made carpets which are produced in Ege Region and fibers used", we aimed at contributing to both producers and economy. In our study, specimens were collected from approximately 70% of the machine- made carpet producers in Ege region. At first raw material composition tests were made for determining fiber types of pile materials. Then for determining quality characteristics of carpet specimens; physical and structural properties (pile density, total carpet weight, total pile weight, surface pile weight, carpet thickness, pile height, surface pile density and surface pile weight density values) were measured and usage and performance properties like thickness loss under mechanical effect, thickness loss after brief moderate and prolonged heavy static loading, tuft withdrawal forces, structural value, appearance change under mechanical effects (tetrapod method) and colour fastness of carpets were tested. The results were evaluated and the relation between physical and structural properties and usage-performance properties were obtained. The results of some quality characteristics of Ege Region machine-made carpets were determined for the benefit of carpet producers who have no scientific data under this title.