Mohawk Industries has unveiled its SmartStrand fiber made with DuPont's Sorona polymer. The fiber has been in development for more than two years, and features stain protection engineered into the fiber, as opposed to topically applied. According to Mohawk, the Sorona polymer is exclusive to flooring by Mohawk

SmartStrand fibers are readily dyeable, with as many as three different dyeing processes available for the product. The fiber is also inherently soft, with a good hand and very good tactile, according to Mohawk.

SmartStrand fiber can be used in standard textures, friezes, berber flecks, high-twist styles and other carpet constructions. A collection utilizing the fiber, called New Generation, as well as exclusive lines in Mohawk Floorscapes and ColorCenter stores, will be available in the second quarter of 2005, Mohawk says.