Primary Backing of Tufted Carpets

Manufacturer: We intend to make our own primary backing compound for our tufted carpet.
Please tell us what properties of the end products we should expect and some advice on the compounding formulation.



John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): As requested, my detailed report has been sent to you separately. I would therefore give a brief explanation here.

A properly designed primary backing compound should give you the following properties to your tufted carpets:

1) Firm handle or feel
2) Dimensionally stable
3) Excellent light and heat ageing resistance
4) Low discolouration
5) High tuft bond
6) Edge-fray resistance
7) minimal or no flex cracking

Latex choice could be either natural rubber or SBR.

Filler such as calcium carbonate can be added at 400 to 700 phr depending on your requirement on cost verses performance. Primary backing is usually visible and hence it is advisable to add TiO2 to increase the whiteness.

Small amount of wetting agent can be included to aid in spreading and coverage while anti-foaming agent can control foaming tendency in the lick-roll tank/bath.

Try to aim at getting a coating weight of 600 to 1000 gm/m2.