Just months after launching a new Scotchgard protective material, 3M is set to roll out phase two of the revamped product line that was developed to replace its longstanding fluorochemical products. The second product in the series will be introduced to the flooring industry during Surfaces 2001.

When applied with 3M's stain-release products, the first-phase Scotchgard product showed excellent stain and soil resistance on polypropylene and solution-dyed nylons on par with the previous-generation fluorochemical product, the company says. The second product being introduced will provide the same level of soil resistance on dyeable nylon, and mills will ultimately be able to choose whichever of the two products that best meet their specific needs, 3M says.

Featuring a patented co-exhaustion application, the new Scotchgard protection products have been formulated to penetrate deeper to bond to the entire carpet fiber. This, 3M says, helps ensure that treated carpets retain a new appearance longer than untreated products.