Polypropylene, Is the most common fiber rope used in rigging. It floats but does not absorb water and It stretches less than other synthetic fibers such as nylon. It is affected however, by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, and should not be left outside for long periods of time. It also softens with heat and is not recommended for work involving exposure to high heat. Nylon, this fiber is remarkable for its strength. A nylon rope is considerably stronger than the same size and construction of polypropylene rope. But nylon stretches, and hence is not used much for rigging. It is also more expensive, loses strength when wet, and has low resistance to acids. Polyester, This ropes are stronger than polypropylene but not so strong as nylon.They have good resistance to acids, alkalies, and abrasion; do not stretch as much as nylon; resist degradation from ultraviolet rays; and don’t soften in heat. It is very important to learn that All fiber ropes conduct electricity when wet. When dry, however, polypropylene and polyester have much better insulating properties than nylon.
Polypropylene: Is the most common fiber rope used in rigging. It floats but does not absorb water. It stretches less than other synthetic fibers such as nylon. It is affected, however, by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight and should not be left outside for long periods. It also softens with heat and is not recommended for work involving exposure to high heat.
Nylon: This fiber is remarkable for its strength. A nylon rope is considerably stronger than the same size and construction of polypropylene rope. But nylon stretches and hence is not used much for rigging. It is also more expensive, loses strength when wet, and has low resistance to acids.
Polyester: This ropes are stronger than polypropylene but not so strong as nylon.They have good resistance to acids, alkalies, and abrasion; do not stretch as much as nylon; resist degradation from ultraviolet rays; and don’t soften in heat.
WARNING: All fiber ropes conduct electricity when wet. When dry, however, polypropylene and polyester have much better insulating properties than nylon.
