What Is Used to Make Rope?

Rope has been around for thousands of years, perhaps as long as ten or even twenty thousand years. Up until the 1960s, natural fibers like manila and hemp were used to make rope. Today, most rope is made of synthetic fibers, usually nylon or polyester, although manila rope is still around.

  1. Synthetic Fiber

    • Nylon and polyester are types of polymeric fiber, a type of fiber comprised of a small chemical structure that is simply repeated over and over in a long chain. These types of fibers are light, strong and able to stretch, which absorbs force.

    Modern Rope

    • Modern ropes, especially climbing ropes, are constructed with a strong braided center, or core, and a woven protective cover called a sheath. This type of rope is called kernmantle.

    Special Types of Fibers

    • In certain types of kernmantle rope, the sheath is made of special fibers that give the rope unique characteristics. Rope used for boats and ships may have a sheath made from polypropylene, which will float. Fibers that are made from chemical structures know as aramids, Kevlar being the most common, can withstand temperatures as high as 900 degrees.

    Chemical Coating

    • Some nylon or polyester ropes are chemically treated to be water or heat resistant. Ropes used for ice climbing or mountaineering are usually water resistant. However, after use and time, the coating will wear off.

    Warning

    • Nylon, polyester and other types of synthetic fibers are susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals, such as bleach and battery acid, and from UV light. All ropes should be stored in cool, dry places out of the sun.