Your interior, our fiber.

www.antron. jpInquiries

INVISTA Japan LLC

Sanno Park Tower 11-1, Nagata-cho 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-6121　Tel: +81 3 5511 0090 Fax: +81 3 5511 0094

Breeze Tower 12th Floor 4-9, Umeda 2-chome Kita-ku Osaka 530-0001　Tel: +81 6 6342 0581 Fax: +81 6 6342 0590

To learn more, contact your local Antron® Fiber Consultant or visit antron.net. Information is current at the time of publication and INVISTA does not undertake any duty to update the information. Specifications are subject to change without notice. The optimal performance of any INVISTA product is dependent upon how it is integrated into end use form. Please contact INVISTA for application assistance.

© 2015 INVISTA. All rights reserved. Antron® and the Antron® family of marks and logos are trademarks of INVISTA. JST019-12/15

T h e ke y i s A n t r o n ®c a r p e t fi b e r

R e a l i z e y o u r i n s p i r a t i o n

A n t r o n ® n y l o n i s h i g h - p e r f o r m a n c e fi b e r

o�ered in wide-ranging co lors that a l low

designers to create innovative new looks in

fl o o r i n g . A n t r o n ® s u p p o r t s d e s i g n e r s i n

optimizing the total carpet experience.

CONTENTS

3

5

7

8

9

11

12

13

14

15

17

19

Durability Stain resistance

Easy maintenance Rich color variations

Antron® nylon feature I: Durability

Antron® nylon feature 2: Stain resistance

Antron® nylon feature 3: Maintenance

Maintenance methods

Antron® nylon feature 4: Rich color variations

Antron® nylon products

Antron® type 6,6 nylon - Enhanced heat characteristics

Antron® Brand Performance Standards Program

Voices of our customers

Antron® nylon spreads throughout the world

Antron® timeline

Inquiries

3 4

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6.45mm

1.10mm

17.1％

5.35mm 5.81mm 5.89mm 6.16mm

0.64mm 0.56mm 0.29mm

10.0％ 8.7％ 4.5％

6.25mm

0.20mm

3.2％

Type 6,6 nylon has an optimal polymer chain alignment for a tighter, stronger molecule structure

than type 6 nylon, providing fiber with shape, luster, and resistance to crushing and matting.

Stronger, shorter hydrogen bonds and optimal polymer chain alignment strengthen the structure.

Type 6,6 nylon is a more crystalline polymer with a more ordered structure.

Type 6,6 nylon

Overall weaker, longer hydrogen bonds and less favorable polymer chain al ignment leave the structure vulnerable.

Type 6 nylon is less crystalline and less ordered than type 6,6.

Type 6 nylon

Type 6,6 nylon with increased strength

Carpets made with Antron® type 6,6 nylon are resistant to loads and provide excellent recovery after

compression, as proven by pile thickness subtraction tests under long-term, heavy load conditions.

Type 6,6 nylon o�ers strong pile recovery

Carpets made with Antron® type 6,6 nylon provide excellent pile retention, as proven by means

of hexapod tumbler testers.

Type 6,6 nylon o�ers resistance to crushing

After testingBefore testing

Adipic acid Hexamethylene diamine Caprolactum (ring opened) Caprolactum (ring opened)

Molecule structure of nylon

*This refers only to carpets manufactured and sold in Japan. Test results are based on textile floor coverings − Part 6: Determination of thickness loss

under-static loading (JIS L 1021:2007-6 3.2) of a representative sample of loop pile carpets that are manufactured and sold in Japan. Based on a

sample with 600g/m2. Individual results may vary.

*This refers only to carpets manufactured and sold in Japan. Test results are based on changes in appearance by means of hexapod tumbler

testers (JIS L 1021-12:2007 6 Method B) in a representative sample of loop pile carpets manufactured and sold in Japan. Hexapod drum test:

12,000 times, comparable to heavy wear conditions for an extended period. Based on a sample with 600g/m2. Individual results may vary.

■ Pile thickness subtraction test by hexapod tumbler testers

Resistance to crushing

Thickness

Reduced thickness value

Reduced thickness rate

Initial stageRecovery

after 2 min.Recovery

after 30 min.Recovery

after 60 min.Recovery

after 24 hours Recovery

after 48 hours

■ Pile thickness subtraction test under long-term, static, heavy-load conditions

Antron® nylon is superior

in durability

Carpet fiber is used to create various expressions and determines how

long a carpet can retain its performance and appearance. Antron® fiber is

constructed of high-quality type 6,6 nylon considered the best nylon for

carpet. This premium functional fiber is resistant to crushing and matting

and more than satisfies commercial carpet standards. Antron® fiber is

used in locations with heavy traffic, such as airports and commercial

facilities, as well as in facilities such as offices, hotels, schools, and

medical institutions.

Antron® nylon

Feature 1:

Durability

5 6

The innovative hollow filament shape of Antron® fiber, with internal void(s) refracting and

di�using light, reduces the appearance of soil (soil hiding).

The hollow filament fiber shape enhances soil hiding

The reason why Antron® fibers are less stainable than other carpet fibers is because they are made of type 6,6 nylon. Type 6,6 nylon with its tighter, more dense, more ordered polymer structure provides lower permeability which means that stains di�use more slowly into fibers so there may be more time to clean up a spill before it causes a stain.

Type 6,6 nylon is less stainable

Fiber shape

Round

Uncollected dirt and

soil visually appear

to be large.

Trilobal Modified delta hollow filament

Dirt is trapped in the

crevices, but is less recog-

nizable since the fiber has

the e�ect of di�using light.

Reduces soil-trapping

crevices and refracts

and di�uses light for

better soil-hiding.

Four-hole hollow filament

The e�ect of di�us-

ing light is greater,

a n d t h u s , d i r t i s

hardly visible.

*Illustrations are simplified to render di�usion of light.

*Round shaped fiber is used in approx. 19%, and trilobal shape fiber is used in approx. 80% of all carpets manufactured by competitors in the

market (according to 2014 survey) in Japan.

Not all solution dyed nylon fibers perform similarly. Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon

using cation solution dyed type 6,6 nylon has inherent, test-proven stain resistance to

acid-dyes found in many foods and beverages.

It’s easy to remove stains with Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon

Stain permeability to polymers

Dense=low penetration

Antron® type 6,6 nylon

Hollow=high penetration

Type 6 nylon

*This refers only to carpets manufactured and sold in Japan. Test results are based on performance standards of representative samples of

solution dyed nylon 6 carpets manufactured and sold in Japan with similar colors, patterns and specifications. New carpets without SG

processes were tested. In North America, AATCC and TM175 (Stain Resistance Pile Floor Coverings) were applied. Individual results may vary.

Carpet with a stain Rinsed with water after 10 min.

Rinsed with hot water (40℃) after 24 hours

■ Stain resistance comparison

Stains can be

removed

after a lapse of time

Stains are hard

to remove

Antron® Lumena™

solution dyed

type 6,6 nylon

type 6 solution

dyed nylon

Antron® nylon fiber

minimizes soiling

Antron® fiber has an innovative hollow filament fiber shape that

enhances soil hiding, and type 6,6 solution dyed nylon o�ers stain

resistance to acid-dye. Since carpets made from Antron® fibers retain

their appearance longer, they are widely used in offices, public

facilities, commercial settings, and hospitality spaces such as those in

hotels, and schools.Antron® nylon

Feature 2:

Stain resistance

7 8

xy y x

< 1.5MR ～ 2.8MR

The four-hole hollow filament is resistant to crushing and matting, and is easy to clean

Carpet maintenance can be achieved by several methods, including vacuum cleaning to suck up

dirt, washing with agents, partial cleansing using specialized machines, etc. The right method must

be chosen according to the degree of dirt. When planning the installation of carpets, calculate the

carpet’s lifecycle expense while keeping cost savings and maintenance programs in mind.

The four-hole hollow filament, an innovation invented for Antron® fibers, has a rounded square shape with strong, grooveless construction. It boasts one of the *lowest modification ratios (MRs) in the industry. Compared to the regular trilobal form, the four-hole hollow filament has a lower-MR that makes it easier to maintain its shape and increases resistance to crushing and matting. Smaller surface area also minimizes soil accumulation, making cleaning easier.

Maintenance methods

Dry absorbent compound sprinkled over carpet absorbs dirt. A mechanical brush with counter-rotating agitation knocks soil from carpet fibers. The compound is then vacuumed up.

Note: Modification Ratio (MR) is a measurement that describes the shape of the fiber.

*The trilobal fiber shape is used in approx. 80 percent of all commercial carpets of competitors (according to a 2014 study in Japan),

*The picture shows schematically how dirt accumulates.

Although there are di�erences in soil resistance and appearance*, soil is built up daily regardless of carpet type. It is important to consider the ease of periodic maintenance. Routine maintenance, such as everyday vacuum cleaning and habitual immediate wiping o� of spills before it becomes stains, is e�ective to retain carpets in good condition. Also, rather than cleaning carpets after soil becomes visible, regular thorough cleaning will keep carpet looking new longer. Check your carpet manufacturer's recommendations and establish your own e�ective maintenance program to maintain the beauty of your carpet. *See p.5 for details

Sparge (disperse) the pre-treatment solution on the sur face of the carpet , and spray hot water (65-70 degrees ℃) from the water heater through the nozzle while recovering the solution and water in a holding tank.

After removing the tiles and soaking (immersing) them in pre-treatment solution, place them in an automatic washing machine for washing and dewatering. This completely cleanses away the dirt accumulated in the piles .

Removing/cleaning (of tile carpets)

Spray the pre-treatment solution on the surface of the carpet and wash the carpet’s fibers with the nylon brush using detergent from the polisher tank, then collect the residue while rinsing the carpet.

The carpet is sprayed with a solution or spin bonnet pads are soaked in the solution. The spinning pad polishes the surface of the carpet, so that soil will be absorbed into the pad.

Bonnet

Sparge the pre-treatment solution on the surface of the carpet, then apply water, hot water or detergent under high pressure from the nozzle to lift up soil. Simultaneously, cylindrical brushes scoop the soil accumulated deep in the fibers and the residue is vacuumed up.

The four-hole hol low filament has no

grooves on the outer surface as a trilobal

filament does, thus minimizing dirt and soil

accumulation, and enhancing soil removal

(soil release)

Ordinary carpet fiber shape. This shows a higher-MR

trilobal fiber shape where the outer circle is much

bigger than the inner circle. The longer the blades, the

more susceptible they are to breaking under heavy

traffic. So fiber shapes cannot be maintained, wear out

as time passes, and are prone to soil accumulation.

Cleaning methods

The key is daily treatment.

Dry powder Steam

Two-step

Extraction

Antron®, four-hole hollow filament Trilobal

Modification ratio MR = Outer circle (x) / inner circle (y)

Antron® nylon is

easy to maintain

Antron® carpets, made of type 6,6 nylon with hollow filament fiber,

provide supreme performance and are easy to maintain. Regular

maintenance of your carpet will keep it looking new longer, which will

realize savings in replacement costs.

Carpets made of Antron® fibers are easy to maintain and chosen for

heavy traffic installations such as airports and public and commercial

facilities, particularly in places of heavy usage and severe conditions.

These carpets are also used for floors where cleanliness is required,

such as in restaurants and medical and educational institutions.

Antron® nylon

Feature 3:

Easy maintenance

9 10

80AFU 200AFU 80AFU 200AFU

www.antron.jp

Solution dyed nylon fibers are dyed in the stage prior to the spinning process. The fibers provide

outstanding colorfastness to sunlight and industrial cleaning agents. Antron® Lumena™ solution

dyed nylon uses type 6,6 cationic solution dyed nylon with inherent stain resistance to acid-dyes

found in many foods and beverages. See more on comparative stain resistance on Page 6.

Solution dyed nylon

Carpets using Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed type 6,6 nylon provide outstanding

colorfastness to light, a fact that has been proven through comparative testing.

Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon is strongly resistant to color fading

■ Light resistant comparisons

How solution dyed nylon is produced

Adipic acid

Hexamethylene diamine

Materials

Pigment pellet

(Master batch)

Pigments Bulked Continuous Filament

Spinning

DrawingCrimpingBulking

You can view our Digital Product Library at our website for the full Antron® Lumena™solution dyed Type 6,6 nylon color lineup.

Product Library

Competing white dyeable type 6 nylonAntron® Lumena™ solution dyed type 6,6 nylon

*This refers only to carpets manufactured and sold in Japan. Test results are based on US National Council of Textile Organization (NCTO)

testing method AATCC TM16 PART3　 Colorfastness to Light, of representative samples of loop pile carpets manufactured and sold in

Japan with similar colors, patterns and specifications. Individual results may vary. AFU refers to a fading unit in AATCC tests.

Before testing Before testing

Unchanged Fading

Heating and dissolution

Spinnerette

INTOHOLDING

TANKS

Antron® nylon –

a rich selection of

colors for stylish options

Antron® nylon was invented in the US and is a high-performance

carpet fiber used all around the world. Its availability in a rich variety

of colors is one of the reasons for its popularity. Antron® Lumena™

solution dyed nylon includes a wide collection of metallic luster fibers

that o�ers vast design possibilities. Antron® Legacy™ nylon with its

abundant dyeability has endless potential for adding beautiful color

and design to floorings. Antron® is not merely a product. It is an

indispensable element for stimulating the creativity of the designers,

and helps them put more beautiful, higher performance carpet to

work.Antron® nylon

Feature 4:

Rich color variation

11 12

２３０℃２３５℃〜

1８0℃

1４0℃～１６０℃

２１５℃～２２０℃

１６５℃～１７３℃

２５０℃２６０℃〜

Heat resistance

The secret of Antron® nylon

*Softening and melting points were cited from a performance indication

chart in a booklet published by Japan Chemical Fibers Association.

Enhanced heat characteristics

Setting higher temperatures in the fiber spinning and

manufacturing processes, as indicated below, brought

texture retention functions to carpets.

Electric iron testing

Carpets made with Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed type 6,6 nylon have excellent heat

resistance, as proven through tests on hot pressing

■ Comparison of heat resistance

Benefits of high melting and softening points

Texture retention・Heat settings

・Crimping of the monofilament

・Pile texturing

Antron® type 6,6 nylon has a high melting point and

softening point.

*This refers only to carpets manufactured and sold in Japan. Test results are based on testing methods for colorfastness to hot

pressing (JIS L 0850: 1994 6.2) of representative samples of loop pile carpets manufactured and sold in Japan with similar colors,

patterns and specifications. Individual results may vary.

110±2℃、30 sec. 150±2℃、5 sec. 200±2℃、3 sec.

Type 6

,6 solu

tion

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ylon

220℃±2℃、30sec.

Completely melted

Type 6 so

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Po

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Unchanged Hard touch Completely melted

Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged Unchanged

Type 6

,6 solu

tion

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ylon

Softening point Melting point

Po

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An

tron

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An

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Antron® nylon

Chosen for all locations

Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon is resis-

tant to stains and provides outstanding color-

fastness that will hold up to the most challeng-

ing conditions. Available in more than 360 colors

worldwide, including 80 Standard (1245 denier)

and 67 Fine (895 denier) colors *1 in Japan, that

include the trendy fiber colors of our metallic

series and design series. Without compromising,

designers are able to create and upgrade vividly

textured carpets by mixing Antron® Lumena™

solution dyed nylon Standard with Fine.

Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon

Fibers of various thickness, luminosity and

flexibi l ity in dyeabil ity * 2 are features of

Antron® Legacy™ nylon that can o�er virtually

unlimited design options to creators. The full

Antron® lineup is the right choice for carpets

with style, color, sophistication, refinement

and strength for all purposes. Feel more

inspired with Antron® Legacy™ nylon.

Antron® Legacy™ nylon

Polymer type: Type 6,6 cationic solution dyed nylon *1: The number of colors is subject to change due to revision and

cancellation of fiber production.

Polymer type: Type 6,6 white dyeable nylon *2: After-dye, computer ink-jet print (CJ), space dye, etc.

Superior Antron® Fiber functions

Performance tested

All carpet styles must pass

Antron® Brand Performance

Standards for quality

P e r m a n e n t a n t i - s t a t i c

filament

Permanent anti-static filament

Type 6,6 nylon

Outs tanding res is tance to

crushing, matting and wear

Excellent colorfastness

Resists fading and is colorfast to

industry standard commercial

cleaning agents

Unlimited styling flexibility

A variety of deniers, lusters and

dyeabilities with virtually unlimit-

ed color and design possibilities

Innovative Hollow Filament

Fiber Engineering

Excellent soil hiding and soil

release so carpets look newer

longer

Inherent stain resistance

Excellent stain-cleanability for

the entire life of your carpet

Heat resistance

Type 6,6 nylon has a higher melt-

ing point than polypropylene and

type 6 nylon, and is more resis-

tant to heat and wear.

Office

Hotel Hospital

www.antron. jp

AirportShopping mall

Airport Public

Voices of our customers

“After seeing the red beverage stain demonstration, we found out carpet maintenance begins with fibers.”

― Ping Zhu,Facility manager,Shanghai Pudong International Airport

“We focused not only on design, but also on durability and maintenance that enhance functionality. Also needed the carpet to be durable and stain-resistant so it would hold up well under heavy traffic and increase comfort for visitors.”

― Hiroyuki Kobayashi,D-Brain Institute,(AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom)

“Choosing a carpet with durability, a long life cycle and easy maintenance was imperative.”

― Janice Hicks, Associate interior designer, Stantec Architecture(Vancouver International Airport)

“This unique carpet created from Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon has contributed a great deal to the atmosphere of the space by generating an impression of elegance and grace. We insisted on this combination, which was essential to realizing ultimate comfort in the work space.”

― Shiho Yamamoto, First-class registered architect,

NTT Urban Development Corporation

(URBANNET KANDA CONFERENCE)

“We are very pleased with the carpet selection and how it is performing. Our next carpet renovation will be easier now that we know Antron® carpet fiber will meet our performance requirements.”

― Mr. Gerard Michaud,Project manager, Palais des Congrès

“We are well prepared for measures against infections, such as norovirus, and the hospital’s tile carpet is made from Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed type 6,6 nylon that features ease of maintenance and disinfection.”

― Atsushi Kodama,Director, Showa University,

Facility Management

(Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital)

“We used brightly colored,

easily cleaned material with

ample cushioning so children

could play more freely in the

rooms.”

― Eriko Tanaka,MITHUI Designtec Co., Ltd.

(Naeba Prince Hotel)

Our case studies are updated on the web.

Visit our website at antron.jp to read more.

Antron® Brand

Performance Standards

ProgramProduct features certified by the Antron® brand

・Carpet structure ・Anti-static characteristics

・Texture retention ・Stain resistance

・Colorfastness

Our mission is to deliver carpets of guaranteed

qual i t y to customers . Our fiber per formance

standards are so high that no one is harder on

carpets than INVISTA. All carpets made of Antron®

fibers must undergo a gauntlet of rigorous tests.

Only performance carpets that have passed severe screening bear the Antron® brand.

Absolute product quality — strictly selected

The Antron® logo mark certifies

high quality.

www.antron.jp

JapanPublic

Kyoto Aquarium (Kyoto City, Kyoto)

Shopping mallAEON MALL Okinawa Rycom(Kitanakagusuku, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture)

OfficeAÔRE Nagaoka(Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture)

OfficeUrbannet Kanda Conference (Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo)

OfficeToranomon Hills (Minato-Ku, Tokyo)

HotelNaeba Prince Hotel(Yuzawa-cho, Uonuma District, Niigata Prefecture)

HospitalShowa University Koto Toyosu Hospital(Minato-Ku, Tokyo)

HospitalMinatomirai Central Clinic(Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)

AÔRE Nagaoka

Toranomon Hills

Urbannet Kanda Conference

Minatomirai Central Clinic

Naeba Prince Hotel

Note: Above facility names are indicated with permission. See Case Studies in the Antron ®

website for more details.

Antron® carpets are widely used in offices, public spaces, educational facilities and healthcare facilities all over the world and also nationwide in Japan. The facility names listed in this page are just a mere part of those.

Antron® nylon spreads throughout the worldCarpet manufacturers around the world choose Antron® nylon to make all

kinds of carpets crafted by designers.

Europe Asia Pacific North AmericaAirport

Bruxelles Airport(Brussels, Belgium)

PublicCinema Porte des Lilas(Paris, France)

OfficeSkype HQ(Stockholm, Sweden)

Officeadidas LACES(Herzogenaurach, Germany)

HotelMaison des Centraliens(Paris, France)

HotelHotel Luisenhof(Hannover, Germany)

EducationGoldsmiths University(London, United Kingdom)

AirportShanghai Pudong International Airport(Shanghai, China)

PublicGuangdong Electric Power Design Institute(Guangdong, China)　

PublicShanghai Studio HBA(Shanghai, China)

OfficeTencent Chengdu Office(Chengdu, China)

OfficeShanghai BASF Office(Shanghai, China)

OfficeBaidu International Building in Shenzhen(Shenzhen, China)

OfficeQihoo 360 HQ Office in Beijing(Beijing, China)

AirportVancouver Airport(Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

PublicPalais des Congrès(Montréal, Quebec, Canada)

OfficeSony Mobile(Atlanta, USA)

HotelThe Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa(Houston, Texas, USA)

EducationThe University of Tennessee(Knoxville, Tennessee, USA)

EducationTrinity University(San Antonio, Texas, USA)

HospitalPSE&G’s Children’s Specialized Hospital(New Brunswick, USA)

2006

2009

2010

2011

The world’s first synthetic fiber “type 6,6 nylon” was invented by Wallace Carothers. Made from coal, water and air, the advertisement tagline for the material was “stronger than iron, and thinner than spider’s web”

Nylon first used for women’s hosiery. 10 years later, nylon was used for carpets

Four-hole hollow filament Antron® nylon invented

Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon introduced

Antron® Brilliance™ nylon introduced

Bio_ Antron™ carpet fiber using 10% bio-based content announced

Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon with TruBlend™ fiber technology with 30% pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content

1935

1938

1968

1991

2006

2009

2010

Antron® Lumena™ solution dyed nylon Fine (895 denier) introduced

20111935

1938

1968

1991

Antron® nylon leads the world

Nylon was invented almost 80 years ago and its history has

been intertwined with the history of Antron® nylon. Antron® has

been leading the world with supremely innovative ideas and

technology to help make creators' dreams come true. Antron®

continues to enrich lives with high-performance fibers.