Chemists develop way to efficiently recycle nylon carpets

A group of chemists from Northwestern University in the United States have created a catalyst that is non-toxic and efficient at breaking down complex plastic polymers within commercial carpets.

Commercial nylon carpets are popular for their longevity and ease of maintenance, however, when reaching the end of their lifespan, their primary material Nylon-6 is too resilient and difficult to break down. This makes recycling these carpets an arduous task. Current methods utilized to break down Nylon-6 require either high temperatures or produce hazardous waste.

The newly developed catalyst by Northwestern scientists can efficiently decompose Nylon-6 in just a few minutes without producing any toxic byproducts or necessitating high temperature processing.

Fishing nets and some clothing items also contain this Nylon-6 polymer. The swift method using this catalyst could prevent such items from being dumped into landfills, burnt or polluting the oceans.

Professor Tobin Marks, part of the chemistry team behind this discovery, has stated that their catalyst can break down Nylon-6 even when it is surrounded by other polymer materials. This reduces human labour and the need to separate Nylon-6 during the recycling process.

The team has filed a patent for the catalyst, with hopes of finding industrial partners who will aid in its large-scale implementation.

Nylon-based carpeting remains popular as commercial flooring in North Wales. Carpets installed now are expected to last many years before requiring replacement. It is hoped that more effective methods for recycling them will emerge before the end of the carpets' life.

How wool carpets contribute to biophilic interior design

Biophilic design seeks to establish a connection with nature by incorporating natural elements into interior spaces and building design. This is achieved by utilizing sustainable materials such as wood and stone, while also featuring an abundance of indoor plants and large windows that allow for ample natural lighting. In this blog, we’re taking a look at how you can achieve the perfect biophilic design in your Chester home, with a special emphasis on the use of tufted wool carpets.

Many designers who advocate for this trend are also environmentally conscious, opting for energy-efficient technologies and sustainable materials. When redesigning a room according to biophilic principles, begin with selecting a wool carpet crafted from ethically sourced sheep's wool. Opt for deep-pile tufted carpets that create textures reminiscent of nature. In commercial settings where wool carpets may not be practical, consider using patterned tiles with streaks of yellow, blue, aqua green or white that echo the colours found in natural landscapes.

Incorporate plenty of houseplants potted in clay containers throughout the space. While it may not be feasible to enlarge windows for more light exposure during daytime hours, strategically placed mirrors and light-coloured walls can simulate a brighter atmosphere, while maintaining a sense of natural ambience.

Solid wood furniture perfectly complements the biophilic aesthetic, especially when paired with a tasteful carpet. Bamboo fruit bowls and clay ornaments further enhance this look.

If you're seeking to renovate your space according to biophilic design principles, get started by visiting a carpet retailer in Chester to view their selection of high quality natural wool carpets and carpet tiles.

Five tips for buying laminate flooring

Laminate is a floor selection that is being made by increasing numbers of home and business owners. Many people want floors that are long-lasting as well as being simple to clean and maintain, and laminate ticks all of those boxes.

The layer of scratch protection that it is designed with means that it is ideal for people with children or pets, as well as for commercial outlets that experience high foot traffic. An additional seal also protects it against water damage, so it is suitable for both commercial and home kitchens as well as bathrooms too.

Finally, laminate can be made to look like other surfaces, from stone and tiling to polished wood, so it combines efficiency with visual appeal. If you are considering fitting laminate floors, we have some pointers to bear in mind though.

Think about thickness

Laminate is one of the floor surfaces with the most variance when it comes to the thickness. There are five thickness levels available and they are determined by the AC rating. The lowest degree of thickness is usually around 7 millimetres, which would give the floor an AC1 rating. The highest is up to 15 millimetres and would come with an AC5 rating.

Which you choose should depend on where the laminate is being fitted. If it is to be installed in a room where footfall is fairly low – for example guest rooms or bedrooms – around 8 millimetres (AC2) will be fine. Such floors will not be likely to experience much wear and tear. When it comes to rooms in a home where people walk regularly in shoes or boots, a thicker grade of laminate will be needed. Think AC4 flooring of around 12 millimetres in thickness if you do not want to have to replace it constantly.

The highest AC5 rating is really for the floors of commercial outlets like shops which need to withstand very high traffic levels on a daily basis.

Consider the style

Laminate comes with an image added to the top layer that mimics the look of other floors. That means you can get it in a wide range of styles and colours, so you need to choose one that fits the rest of the room. Make your choice based on the overall theme and colour coding of the other furnishings in the room.

For instance, if it is being fitted in a kitchen that is sizeable and open plan, laminate in a light shade and with wider planks will probably work best. On the other hand, for a smaller living room, dark coloured narrow plank laminate will create a cosier effect.

Balance your budget

As with most other types of floor surface, the cost of laminate flooring will vary considerably. Thicker laminate is more expensive, but it will also last for longer. The chosen style of the floor will be a factor in its cost too.

What you spend on the floor should be based on how often people are likely to be walking on it wearing footwear like shoes or boots. More will need to be spent if the floor is for a commercial outlet for that reason. However, even for a home, you are strongly advised to aim for the highest quality laminate floor available within your allotted budget, rather than cutting corners. You will have to look at the floor each day and one that stays in good condition will be more appealing to the eye.

Sizing

It does not matter if the floor is for one room or an entire house or commercial space, you will need to know exactly how much laminate flooring is required. The best way to work this out is in square feet. Doing so will ensure that you do not buy more or less than you need and will also help when it comes to figuring out prices against your budget.

Many flooring experts advise buying around 10% more than is needed, because that will guarantee that you are protected in the event of an installation error or one part of the floor not matching properly. You do not want to end up with an unfinished floor while that problem is resolved.

Getting it installed

Finally, you need to consider the issue of fitting the laminate. The two available options are to install the surface yourself or to pay a reputable professional to complete the job. Most companies that sell floor surfaces are also happy to install them and choosing that option will minimise the risk of an installation mistake. That is especially true if you have never fitted a floor before.

If you are not experienced in the job but prefer to install it yourself, consider buying laminate planks with click system edging. That makes putting them together simpler.

You should have no problems with your laminate flooring if you follow these tips.

Scottish supplier boasts world’s largest collection of tartan carpets

Stevens and Graham, a shop located in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire, Scotland boasts the world's largest collection of tartan carpets.

This prestigious carpet supplier offers tartan design carpets that are sold globally, with their finest works being displayed at renowned locations such as Balmoral Castle and Trump's Golf Links at Balmedie. The shop has more than 150 tartan designs available and is staffed by a small team of experts in Scottish tartan.

Individuals from all corners of the world who have connections to Scotland have visited this establishment to acquire tartan carpets. These exceptional pieces have gained recognition through film and television productions. For example, one of Stevens and Graham’s carpets was featured in the 2017 film Trainspotting 2, while Netflix's bought a stunning tartan carpet which was featured on the set of the hit show The Crown, based on Balmoral Castle.

At a carpet retailer in North Wales, you can find an extensive range of carpets available in assorted colours and patterns. If you want a tartan carpet, there is no need to travel to Scotland and pay premium prices for speciality tartan carpets. There is a good selection of quality tartan carpets available from North Wales carpet retailers at reasonable prices.

For some, a room carpeted wall to wall with a tartan design carpet is too much. An alternative may be to install a plain-coloured carpet with one or more tartan rugs to add a touch of Scotland to a bedroom or living room.

What’s the difference between high and low-quality laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic floor surface that’s designed to look like genuine wood or stone.

It’s good value, easy for a professional to install, low maintenance and offers resistance to scratches. But to maximise these benefits, it’s important to invest in a good quality laminate floor.

The difference between high- and low-quality laminate flooring can be significant. Here, we’ll explain how to recognise this difference.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes a good quality laminate floor, and the characteristics that show up a substandard laminate surface.

Thickness

You’ll find that high-quality laminate flooring is in the region of 8-12 mm thick, while lower-quality laminate tends to be in the region of 6-8 mm thick.

Thicker laminate accommodates a larger core layer. Not only does this mean that high-quality floors feel stronger underfoot, but they are also better for your body. An insufficient substrate - that is, the core layer in the middle of the laminate - offers less stability, and can put more pressure on the joints.

The thicker the laminate, the more durability and protection your flooring will offer. Thicker laminate also mimics the look of wood or stone more realistically, and appearance is what we’ll explore next.

Appearance

You can expect high-quality laminate flooring to look better. That means it can copy the natural element of wood or stone, and give your floor a more stylish look.

It comes down to the resolution of the photographic prints on the surface of the laminate. The higher the resolution, the more realistic features such as wood grain patterns or tile texture can be reproduced. Low-quality laminate flooring looks less authentic.

The devil is in the detail - the surface layer of high-quality laminate exhibits the finer details of wood or stone textures. If you didn’t know the flooring was laminate already, you may ask yourself if it is real or not. Conversely, low-quality laminate may be obvious, especially when viewed from a close proximity.

Slip resistance

We touched on stability briefly when discussing thickness. The slip resistance and grip offered by a laminate surface can be a big indication of quality.

It’s not only the thickness that is a factor in slip resistance. The surface texture also comes into play. Texture offers grip, and helps to prevent accidents caused by slipping. The surface layer of premium quality laminate is often textured or treated to provide superior traction.

Don’t underestimate the importance of slip resistance in laminate flooring. Not only does it improve the experience of walking around your home, but it also makes your home safer. If you have young children, be aware that cheaper, low-quality laminate flooring with a smooth and slippery surface may pose more hazards of slips and falls.

Traction is especially important when designing bathrooms and kitchens, where hazards are typically more prevalent.

Durability

How durable your laminate flooring is, and how long it will last, is a key differentiator between a low- and high-quality product.

Several construction elements are a factor in durability. High-quality laminate flooring offers resistance against scratches, as well as impacts and moisture damage. You can expect premium laminate to have high-wear coatings to prevent scratches and scuffs.

When it comes to the backing, thickness offers greater stability that can add to durability. And the better the sealing, the more moisture resistance - this prevents any swelling or decay from spilled fluids, as well as mopping.

Thinner, low-quality laminate flooring lacks the characteristics outlined above. This means it can be; more likely to pick up scratches; let in moisture that can result in swelling and bubbling; and buckle under the weight of furniture, which creates gaps in the structure of the laminate. All these issues lead to a more rapid degradation and inferior performance compared to higher-quality laminate flooring.

Ask the experts

An experienced, reputable provider of laminate flooring should be able to guide you in options for a range of budgets.

As part of the selection process, a sales representative can demonstrate to you exactly why a product is at a certain price point. They’ll be able to show you premium features, and describe the benefits you will receive from higher-quality laminate.

When considering your budget, you may want to focus on higher-quality laminate flooring in areas of your home with a higher volume of foot traffic. Also remember the importance of slip resistance in rooms that present more hazards, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Laminate flooring can be cost-effective compared to other types of flooring, but invest wisely in a premium product, in order to safeguard your investment. Make an outlay in higher-quality laminate flooring, and you can expect a better product in every aspect. The floor will feel better, look better, last for longer, and may be made using more sustainable manufacturing processes, too.