The following chart illustrates many of the characteristics of synthetic fibers that are commonly used in ropes. The requirements needed for a specific application will determine which fiber is best. Example: If the requirement is for a light weight rope that floats and is resistant to mildew, then polypropylene or polyethylene will be best. If on the other hand, a rope with high tensile strength is to be used underwater then nylon or polyester will be best.
| Ultra High | ||||||||
| Molecular Weight | ||||||||
| Nylon | Polyester | Polypropylene | Polyethylene | Polyethylne | ||||
| (Polyamide) | (UHMWPE) | |||||||
| Strength | ||||||||
| Grams per denier | 7.0- 9.5 | 6.5 -8.5 | 6.0-7.3 | 6 | 30 | |||
| Shock Load Absorption | Excellent | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | |||
| Elongation | ||||||||
| Percent on Break | 18-25% | 22% | 24% | 15-20% | 3.50% | |||
| Creep | Moderate | Moderate | High | High | Moderate | |||
| Weight | ||||||||
| Specific Gravity | 1.14 | 1.38 | 0.89 | 0.95 | 0.97 | |||
| Floats | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| Effects of Moisture | ||||||||
| Water Absorption | 2-8% | 1% | None | None | None | |||
| Dielectric Properties | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | |||
| Degradation | ||||||||
| Resistance to Ultra Violet | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | |||
| Resistance to Rot & Mildew | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | |||
| Thermal Properties | ||||||||
| Melts at | 420-480 F | 482 F | 330 F | 275 F | 297 F | |||
| Resistance | ||||||||
| Resistance to Acids | Fair | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | |||
| Resistance to Alkalis | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | |||
| Resistance to Oil and Gas | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good | |||