Type of Nylon Used for Rope

Nylon is one of the most common materials used to make rope. When dry, it has more strength than other rope materials. However, nylon rope loses a great deal of its strength when wet. The two most common kinds of Nylon used in rope are Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6.

  1. Nylon 6,6

    • In the early years of World War II, the American plastics company DuPont created Nylon 6,6. Nylon replaced Asian silk in parachutes and became a component of many other military fabric goods. Many consumer products also began to incorporate nylon, which became the first commercially successful manufactured fabric.

    Nylon 6

    • German chemical companies developed Nylon 6. Though similar to Nylon 6,6 in the final product, this type of nylon undergoes a different manufacturing process. While Nylon 6,6 comprises polymer chains, Nylon 6 uses a single monomer for each chain. The development of Nylon 6 allowed Germany to compete as a manufacturer of synthetic fibers.

    Melting Point Difference

    • The most significant difference between Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6 lies in the two materials' melting temperatures. Nylon 6 has the lower melting temperature at 428 degrees Fahrenheit, while Nylon 6,6 melts at 509 degrees. In any situation requiring a higher melting point, such as in rappelling or belaying, Nylon 6,6 is the superior choice.

    Advantages of Nylon 6

    • Ropes made of Nylon 6 have a greater ability to absorb shock than ropes made from Nylon 6,6. Nylon 6 also has greater wear resistance. In general, Nylon 6 is slightly more durable.