It can often be confusing to choose what type of rope you need since there are so many out there and often an entire isle when you go to the store with varying thicknesses, textures and prices. Here's a little information about the most commonly used materials.
The characteristics of a rope depend a great deal on the fibers that make it up. The names of the materials may be somewhat confusing because chemical names like polyester are often used interchangeably with brand names such as Tergal, Darcron, etc.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers have now almost completely been replace by synthetics, but the most commonly used were hemp, manilla, cotton and sisal. It is still possible to come across rope made of hemp, which up until recently was the best material available for rope because of its tensile strength and excellent resistance to wear.
You probably recognize that as the type of rope you would climb in gym class. Probably because it is very rough and therefore easier to hold onto than the smooth and slick synthetic ropes. Although it can still give you a nasty rope burn.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fiber ropes are those that are made from plastics compounded from oil or coal. They are shiny, non-absorbent and do not rot but have low melting points. The can also generally be much thinner than a rope made of natural fibers and have more elasticity. In general an increase in the ropes strength is correlated to a decrease in its flexibility and abrasion resistance. The most common of the synthetic fibers are polypropylene, polyamide and polyester.
Polypropylene Fibers
Polypropylene is a type of synthetic fiber, it is popular mostly because it is the cheapest kind of synthetic fiber. Although it light weight (it even floats!), very flexible, resistant to chemical abrasion and approximately 1.8 times stronger than manila fiber rope it is also vulnerable to sunlight which degrades the fibers and makes it weaker.
Polyamide Fibers (Nylon)
Another type of synthetic rope. Important characteristics are strength and elasticity which make them capable of absorbing sock loads better than other materials. They do not rot or float and variants of this type of rope are used for mountain climbing and fishing line because of their smooth texture.
Polyester Fibers
Polyester describes a family of synthetic materials which share a similar chemical structure. The most common polyester is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) although polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and naphthalate (PEN) ropes are also available.
Polyester ropes are a good choice because of their physical properties and low elasticity. They are highly wear resistant and can be pre-stretched to reduce deformation under strain. They also have a smooth texture and low friction but do not float.
Polyethylene Fibers
This types of rope should generally be avoided. Polyethylene ropes are very cheap but not very strong and stretch and slip easily so they do not hold a knot well. However they are very resistant to atmospheric agents and float so sometimes they are used for lifelines to rowboats or rafts and as tow lines for water skiing.
The characteristics of a rope depend a great deal on the fibers that make it up. The names of the materials may be somewhat confusing because chemical names like polyester are often used interchangeably with brand names such as Tergal, Darcron, etc.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers have now almost completely been replace by synthetics, but the most commonly used were hemp, manilla, cotton and sisal. It is still possible to come across rope made of hemp, which up until recently was the best material available for rope because of its tensile strength and excellent resistance to wear.
You probably recognize that as the type of rope you would climb in gym class. Probably because it is very rough and therefore easier to hold onto than the smooth and slick synthetic ropes. Although it can still give you a nasty rope burn.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fiber ropes are those that are made from plastics compounded from oil or coal. They are shiny, non-absorbent and do not rot but have low melting points. The can also generally be much thinner than a rope made of natural fibers and have more elasticity. In general an increase in the ropes strength is correlated to a decrease in its flexibility and abrasion resistance. The most common of the synthetic fibers are polypropylene, polyamide and polyester.
Polypropylene Fibers
Polypropylene is a type of synthetic fiber, it is popular mostly because it is the cheapest kind of synthetic fiber. Although it light weight (it even floats!), very flexible, resistant to chemical abrasion and approximately 1.8 times stronger than manila fiber rope it is also vulnerable to sunlight which degrades the fibers and makes it weaker.
Polyamide Fibers (Nylon)
Another type of synthetic rope. Important characteristics are strength and elasticity which make them capable of absorbing sock loads better than other materials. They do not rot or float and variants of this type of rope are used for mountain climbing and fishing line because of their smooth texture.
Polyester Fibers
Polyester describes a family of synthetic materials which share a similar chemical structure. The most common polyester is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) although polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and naphthalate (PEN) ropes are also available.
Polyester ropes are a good choice because of their physical properties and low elasticity. They are highly wear resistant and can be pre-stretched to reduce deformation under strain. They also have a smooth texture and low friction but do not float.
Polyethylene Fibers
This types of rope should generally be avoided. Polyethylene ropes are very cheap but not very strong and stretch and slip easily so they do not hold a knot well. However they are very resistant to atmospheric agents and float so sometimes they are used for lifelines to rowboats or rafts and as tow lines for water skiing.
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