/ 
The industry has developed a very wide range of classic or exotic materials suitable for each use to meet performance and safety needs.
As far as classical fibres are concerned, the great discoveries in this field date back to the 1930s. Chemical laboratories developed synthetic textiles that created a real technological revolution with the appearance of :
- polyamide (1935)
- polypropylene (1933
- polyester (1954).
The rope industry is rapidly taking over these materials, which are available in the form of huge spools of wire thinner than a hair. With complex machines, rope makers are stranding and braiding modern, strong ends. These classic fibres, which are older and more economical than "exotic fibres", are particularly common on board our ships.
CONVENTIONAL FIBRES
Polyester: The versatile choice for edge ropes.
With a density of 1.38, polyester flows in water. When burning, it gives off black smoke. This fibre is suitable for multiple applications (sewing thread, bitch, sheets, halyards).
Advantages : For leisure boating, polyester braided tips are an excellent choice for applications that require strength, durability and reasonable elongation. In addition to being economical, it offers remarkable abrasion resistance and remains flexible in all climates. All end sleeves are made of polyester which offers a wide range of colours and good colour fastness.
Disadvantages: The technical characteristics are too limited for the competition. Although it is the least elastic of the classic fibres, compared to exotic fibres polyester stretches a lot, throughout its life and during its use. Not really light, it also tends to retain water. The robustness of braided ropes rests on both the outer sheath and the inner core. When one of these loses strength or shows abrasion, the overall integrity of the end is reduced.
Polyamide: The choice for mooring, thanks to its elongation..
Polyamide is better known under the trade name "Nylon". Because of its density of 1.14, it does not float. Although the tip blackens when it burns, it gives off white smoke.
It is an ideal material for moorings or the mooring line (cable), as well as for the bitches. Ropes made from this fibre are made in 3, 4 or even 8 strands.
Advantages : This fibre offers a high capacity of elongation before breakage (30%), which is what is required of a mooring line in order to absorb the stresses on the anchoring parts. Polyamide's ability to absorb shocks makes it the ideal mooring material. In addition, polyamide offers suitable UV and abrasion resistance.
Disadvantages: Its lengthening naturally excludes it from any adjustment manoeuvres. It is also criticized for its high density, which makes it sink and become waterlogged, which is as unpleasant to handle as it is to store in the trunks. In addition, polyamide tends to stiffen as it ages.
Polypropylene: the rope that surfaces
Polypropylene is remarkable for its density of less than 1 (0.91) allowing it to float. By burning a waxy odor and black smoke emanates from polypropylene. As it melts, it tends to produce molten drops.
Polypropylene is used to make towing cables, crown buoy lines or spreaders for water sports.
Advantages : This type of rope is popular in towed sports (water skiing, wakeboarding, towed buoy...), it does not sink and can stretch slightly (10-15%) without losing its characteristics. On board a sailboat, this rope will have its use in case of towing, thus limiting the risk of accidents with the propeller. Finally, it absorbs brutal loads well while showing excellent resistance to abrasion.
Disadvantages: While this material is indeed inexpensive and light, its mechanical characteristics are remarkably poor. It could melt around a winch, it is rough and unpleasant to handle, not very resistant to high loads and UV light. Apart from towing, it is really not the star of the barge.
