What is Triexta?

Mohawk's SmartStrand (photo: Mohawk)

​There are many different kinds of carpet made up of different fibers and materials, and each has varying pros, cons, and qualities. Most people are used to hearing about polyester or nylon when shopping for carpet. Today we’re going to look at a revolutionary fiber you may have never heard of: Mohawk’s Triexta. On March 20, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officially announced a new fiber for carpet. They named it Triexta, and it is similar to polyester. Triexta was invented by DuPont, and is produced under the brand name Sorona.
 
While Triexta is similar to polyester, there are some differences. Unlike polyester, Triexta fibers are not made with large amounts of petroleum. Triexta is made with rapidly renewable corn glucose in place of petroleum (up to 37%). This means less gas-offing of VACs from your carpet, making it better for your home. While polyester tends to have more of a sheen, Triexta, like  nylon, has more of a matte finish. Triexta is also highly stain resistant and does not absorb moisture. In fact, it is often used in clothing labeled as “dry fit.” In addition, Triexta resists color fading and exhibits superior softness. Triexta has thus found its way into the flooring marketplace most prominently with Mohawk’s SmartStrand carpet, making it one of the most durable, luxurious, and stain-resistant carpets on the market.
 
You may not be used to hearing the term “Triexta,” but now you know it’s a very renewable high-performance carpet fiber. Triexta is used in one of the best carpets on the market: Mohawk’s SmartStrand. To see all the options SmartStrand has to offer, click here, or stop by our showroom.