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Rope Fibers

Note: this page was just created on Feb 5, 2025 and is still under construction. Input from the review team is welcome!

The fibers documented on this page can be used in the construction of ropes, cords and webbing. Be aware that rope and cord are frequently designed with different fibers in the core vs the sheath.

Cord
Rope
Webbing

Attributes

JRB’s research on the topic and has identified the following list of attributes of interest about the fibers which are used to make our ropes and cords. Flexibility / bendability is not listed, only because it can vary greatly even within a material. Anything missing?

  1. Strength –
  2. Heat Resistance –
  3. Abrasion Resistance –
  4. Density / weight –
  5. Susceptibility to UV light –
  6. Typical Applications –

Material Types

This reference from our friends at Marlow Ropes is an EXCELLENT summary:

https://www.marlowropes.com/innovation/material-types

  • Aramids – Aramids are a family of low stretch, high strength fibers with good resistance to creep and can tolerate extremely high temperatures. Poor UV and abrasion resistance. Aramids do not bend well and not ideal for tying knots.
  • HMPE – High Modulus Polyethylene. Evolved after Aramids.
  • UHMWPE – Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, is considered a subcategory of HMPE. Extremely strong and resistant to impact, abrasion, chemicals, and UV. Very little stretch. Poor heat resistance.

The Fibers

Manila

This natural fiber rope was once the standard for ropes. In modern day, it is not recommended for any life safety applications. Manila must be handled and stored with care as any dampness will cause it to rot.

Nylon

Nylon (or polyamide) is the fiber used in the first synthetic fiber rope manufactured. Stretches and therefore popular in dynamic ropes due to its elasticity, and shock absorption potential. Good abrasion resistance. Does not rot. Is not damaged by oils, gasoline, grease, etc. Good UV resistance.

Polyester

Polyester is a thermosetting plastic, meaning that it cannot be re-melted with heat. Very strong and excellent abrasion resistance (better than nylon). Low stretch, when compared to nylon. Better UV resistance than Nylon.

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene is a thermoplastic. Lightweight and strong rope which floats and popular in heavy duty marine applications. Does not rot and is unaffected by water, oil, gasoline, and most chemicals. Better abrasion resistance than PP. Good UV resistance.

Polypropylene (PP / Poly)

Generally lighter and stronger than PE. Typically used in industrial applications. Good UV resistance. Not buoyant. Stiffer than polyester.

Technora

An aramid fiber with high strength, extremely heat tolerant, and good chemical resistance. Technora® is a registered trademark of Teijin. JRB likes Technora on the sheath of a rope or cord, but generally not in the core, due to the excessive ‘memory’ it causes after removing a knot.

Dyneema®

Dyneema SK78 is an UHMWPE fiber. Very strong, very little stretch. Poor heat resistance. Dyneema® is a registered trademark of DSM Dyneema. Because of the lack of heat resistance, JRB does not recommend it for the rope or cords on the climbing line, but fine on a bridge.

Spectra®

Spectra is an UHMWPE fiber. Very strong, very little stretch. Poor heat resistance. Spectra® is a registered trademark of Honeywell. Because of the lack of heat resistance, JRB does not recommend it as a material in the rope or cords on the climbing line, but fine on a bridge.

AmSteel®

An HMPE fiber. High strength and low stretch. Generally available as a single braid, unsheathed rope. Flexible, and spliceable, but generally not good for tying conventional knots. As of the publication of this page, the set of intended applications published by the manufacturer do not include life safety climbing applications. AmSteel® is a registered trademark of Samson Tope. See:

samsonrope.com/product/amsteel

KEVLAR®

Kevlar is an aramid fiber. Kevlar® is a registered trademark of DuPont.

Dacron®

Description: Dacron is effectively DuPont’s brand/version of polyester fiber. Less elastic than nylon, with slightly lower strength. Not affected by common alkalis or acids. Excellent UV resistance. Very good wet or dry abrasion resistance. Dacron® is a registered trademark of DuPont.

Vectran®

Vectran is an Aromatic Liquid Crystal Polymer which is another high strength / low stretch material. Vectran has very low creep and a higher tenacity than Aramid and is also very resistant to heat. Vectran® is a registered trademark of Kuraray.

Twaron®

Twaron is an aramid fiber. Twaron® is a registered trademark of Teijin.

Webbing

This is a great reference:

The Main Types of Webbing Material

References