Which is better, polyester rope or nylon rope?

Which is better, polyester rope or nylon rope? 

Below, we will introduce the differences between polyester and nylon ropes in terms of initial modulus (rigidity index), strength, elasticity, good wrinkle recovery, toughness, water absorption, shrinkage, density, electrical resistivity, pilling, glass transition temperature, dyeing, chemical resistance, flammability, good light resistance, and adhesion.

01. Initial modulus (rigidity index)

The initial modulus, also known as the elastic modulus, refers to the stress required for a fiber to elongate to 1% of its original length under tension. The initial modulus of polyester filament is relatively high, with a minimum of 90CN/DTEX for civilian filament and up to 140CN/DTEX for industrial filament.

02. Strength

Polyester filament has high strength, approximately 4.5~8 CN/dtex, and its impact resistance is 4 times higher than nylon and 20 times higher than viscose fiber, which can meet the requirements of most industries. Due to its low hygroscopicity, its wet strength is basically the same as its dry strength.

03. Elasticity

The elasticity of polyester rope is not as good as that of nylon rope. For example, the elastic recovery rate under 2% tension is 96%, and the elastic recovery rate of nylon rope under the same conditions is 98%. However, it should be pointed out that due to the high initial modulus of polyester rope, its dimensional stability is particularly good.

04. Good wrinkle recovery

Polyester has better wrinkle resistance than other fibers, meaning the fabric does not wrinkle and has good dimensional stability. This characteristic comes from the internal rigidity of fibers, which are relatively rigid in both dry and wet states, and can reduce fabric deformation caused by wrinkles.

05. Resilience

Compared to nylon rope, polyester rope has lower elongation at break, resulting in lower energy absorption and wear resistance.

06. The suction effect of water

Polyester rope is poor in this regard, both in terms of moisture regain in humid air and water expansion; The equilibrium moisture content is 0.4%, which is inferior to nylon in terms of absorbency and similar to acrylic.

07. Shrinkage

Polyester rope is hydrophobic, with minimal or almost no shrinkage, especially after proper heat setting, it can maintain a shrinkage requirement of within 1%.

08. Density

The density of polyester rope is close to 1.38 grams per cubic centimeter, which is higher than the density of nylon rope (1.14 grams per cubic centimeter) and polypropylene rope (0.90 grams per cubic centimeter). Which is better, polyester rope or nylon rope?

09. Electrical resistivity

The electrical resistivity of polyester rope is higher than that of nylon rope. The resistance of polyester rope is generally between 1011-1014 ohms/cm, while that of nylon is 109-1014 ohms/cm.

10. Kicking ball

Due to loose and broken filaments in the fabric, fiber balls were formed. Due to the high strength of fibers, fiber balls are retained on the fabric. Producers have recently produced polyester with low tensile strength that is not easily spherical, and it also maintains high wear resistance.

11. Glass transition temperature

The temperature at which the glassy state transitions to a highly elastic state is the lowest temperature at which amorphous polymer polymer polymer chains can move freely, expressed as Tg. This provides the fiber with good conditions for stretching deformation. The glass transition temperature of polyester is 80 degrees Celsius when it is dry and 69-70 degrees Celsius when it is wet, which is beneficial for the curling and deformation of yarns and the heat setting of fabrics.

12. Poor staining

Due to the lack of specific dyeing groups and low polarity on the polyester molecular chain, dyeing is more difficult and the dyeability is poor, making it difficult for dye molecules to enter the fiber. Dyeing with dispersed dyes or non-ionic dyes can achieve good results, while requiring strong dyeing conditions, including pad dyeing, drying, and thermosetting.

13. Chemical resistance

Polyester rope is resistant to bleaching agents, oxidants, petroleum products, and inorganic acids. Resistant to dilute alkali and not afraid of mold, but hot alkali can cause it to decompose. Polyester rope is acid resistant but not alkali resistant.

14. Flammability

Polyester fibers are flammable, but they can also self destruct due to melting. Blended with cellulose fibers is more flammable, producing yellow flames and thick smoke. Special finishing methods or the addition of flame retardants during spinning are necessary to achieve flame retardancy in the fabric. The method used in daily life to distinguish between polyester and cotton, polyester and silk.

15. Good light resistance

Polyester has better light resistance than acrylic, but its sun resistance is better than natural fiber fabrics. It has a certain resistance to degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation and produces a slight yellowing phenomenon after exposure to light.

16. Adhesiveness

The adhesion ability is poor, and it can only be used for tire curtain fabrics and coated fabrics when coated with special oil agents or rubber materials on the surface.