Broadly speaking fibers can be divided into two categories – natural and synthetic. Most ropes today are made from synthetic fibers because they offer far superior performance in terms of strength and durability. Natural fiber ropes have a tendency to deteriorate as a result of rot and mildew, particularly if stored improperly. Natural fiber ropes should not be used in life critical applications.

Cancord manufactures rope from the following fibers:

Cancord Rope Fibers

Fiber Type Heat Resistance* UV Resistance Chemical Resistance Advantages Disadvantages
Cotton Natural Chars at 148°C Very Good
  • Degraded by acids in high concentration or at high temperatures.
  • Resistant to alkalis.
  • Degraded by organic solvents and sea water.
  • Exceptional handling
  • Susceptible to deterioration from moisture, rot & mildew
  • Strength can be dramatically affected by basic environmental variables such as the level of humidity
Dyneema® Synthetic Melts at 145°C Fair
  • Acid & alkali resistant.
  • Resistant to bleaches, other oxidizing agents and most solvents.
  • Unaffected by sea water.
  • Good strength.
  • Unaffected by water.
  • Susceptible to creep (gradual elongation under load).
  • Expensive
Kevlar® Synthetic Decomposes at 500°C Poor
  • Resistant to weak acids, bases, water & salt water.
  • Degraded by strong acids & bases in high concentration or high temperature.
  • Exceptional strength
  • Exceptional heat resistance
  • Poor shock loading qualities
  • Poor abrasion resistance
  • Expensive
Nylon Synthetic Melts at 218°C Very Good
  • Resistant to weak acids.
  • Degraded by concentrated, strong acids.
  • Unaffected by most alkalis at room temperature.
  • Resistant to organic solvents.
  • Soluble in phenols & formic acid.
  • Resistant to rot & mildew.
  • Good strength & durability.
  • Minor loss of strength when wet (strength is regained when rope dries)
Polyester Synthetic Melts at 245°C Very Good
  • Resistant to mineral acids.
  • Degraded by strong sulphuric acids.
  • Degraded by strong alkalis at high temperature.
  • Resistant to organic solvents, soluble in phenols.
  • Resistant to rot & mildew
  • Good strength & durability.
  • Unaffected by water.
Polypropylene Synthetic Melts at 165°C Poor
  • Resistant to acids.
  • Resistant to alkalis.
  • Resistant to organic solvents, soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons.
  • Light weight
  • Inexpensive
  • Unaffected by water
  • Low strength relative to other synthetic fibers
  • Susceptible to creep (gradual elongation under load)
PolysteelTM Synthetic Melts at 140°C Fair
  • Resistant to acids.
  • Resistant to alkalis.
  • Resistant to organic solvents, soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons.
  • Light weight
  • Good handling characteristics
  • Unaffected by water
  • Less strength than some other synthetic fibers
Technora® Synthetic Decomposes at 500°C Poor
  • Resistant to acids.
  • Resistant to alkalis.
  • Resistant to organic solvents.
  • Resistant to sea water and steam.
  • High strength
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • Expensive

Download the Cancord Rope Fibers chart as PDF File