Fibre Rope Material Properties Guide

Specific Gravity - .97   Melt Point - 144-152°C   Tenacity - 30gpd

Dyneema® Fibre is one of the more common high performance fibre available on the market. Its high strength and low elongation and light weight make it the ideal braid for sheets, guys and control lines. It has excellent chemical resistance and UV resistance, although it tends to have a cover over the dyneema core, generally polyester, to increase its working life. The Dyneema® SK75, SK78 and SK90 yarn is the strongest fibre in our current range. Negatives in using Dyneema® are the slippery nature of the fibre and the tendency to creep, i.e. elongation under a prolonged load.

Specific Gravity - 1.14 Melt Point - 250°C Tenacity -

Nylon has a higher strength than polyester but also has more elongation. It tends to be used for fixed applications such as mooring lines or sea anchors. It has excellent abrasion resistance but tends to harden as the rope gets more worn. It can also be dyed using acid dyes.

Specific Gravity - .91 Melt Point - 165°C Tenacity - 7.8gpd

Polypropylene is a light weight material that is used throughout the marine industry for rescue lines and anything else that requires a light weight floating rope. Its abrasion resistance is not equal to polyester and other yarns but it is UV stabilised. It has excellent chemical resistance and does not retain water. It is good as a multi-purpose rope but loses strength under heavy shock loads, it can be used for rescue lines and other general purpose uses.

Specific Gravity - 1.38 Melt Point - 260°C Tenacity - 8.5gpd

Polyester is the most commonly used material in our range. It is also available in a wide range of colours and weights, the most common weights are 250, 500, 1,000 & 1,500 denier. It is resistant to UV rays and all colours are colourfast. Prolonged exposure in water has little or no lasting effects. It has good abrasion resistance, especially when twisted.

However, it can not be dyed using normal dyeing methods. It has low stretch and used in all 5 & 6 series, sash cords, luff cords, HJ series and yacht braids; it is suitable for Halyards, Sheets, Reefing lines and Control lines on cruising boats.

Specific Gravity - 1.41 Melt Point - 330°C Tenacity - 23gpd

Vectran® is a high performance fibre that is specifically designed for fixed load applications. It has a very high melting point and can withstand extreme temperatures, its high strength, low elongation and very low creep makes it ideal for Halyards. It has excellent cut resistance and has low moisture absorption. Its UV stability is poor, however its abrasion and cut resistance is much superior to polyester. Vectran® is used in extreme performance yacht braid covers.