Final answer:
The most popular residential synthetic carpet fiber is nylon due to its durability and stain resistance. Polyester is also commonly used for its softness and appearance. Acrylic, while less common, is sometimes used in blends for its warmth and wool-like feel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most popular residential synthetic carpet fiber is nylon. Nylon is a type of polyamide and is widely appreciated for its durability, resilience, and its ability to maintain appearance over time. It is a favorable choice for carpets due to its toughness and stain resistance, particularly in high-traffic areas of a home. Another common synthetic carpet fiber is polyester, known for its stain and fade resistance, making it another preferred choice for residential carpeting. Polyester is durable as well and often selected for its luxurious appearance and softness. Both nylon and polyester fibers are used in various applications beyond carpeting due to their versatile properties. Acrylic fibers, like Orlon, are less commonly used for full carpeting, but they contribute to blends sometimes found in residential settings for their warmth and wool-like texture.