3 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NYLON AND POLYESTER
Flexibility
Nylon has a high level of flexibility. When necessary, it’s
possible to stretch nylon rope by up to 20% without affecting its
strength – and it will simply return to its original size
afterwards. This makes it particularly good when you need the rope
to be more shock absorbent, such as towing or mooring.
By contrast, polyester only stretches by about 10% under pressure,
so it’s particularly suitable for low-stress uses such as
flagpoles, tie-downs etc.
Absorbency
Both nylon and polyester sink in water, however, they differ
greatly in terms of their absorbency.
Although nylon rope is normally very strong it absorbs liquid
quickly and easily, and this compromises its strength
significantly. The fibres become waterlogged and start to sag. They
also take a long time to dry. Therefore, nylon isn’t the best
option for wet conditions.
Polyester ropes, on the other hand, do not absorb water. They
retain their normal level of strength when they’re wet and, as a
result, they are a better choice for marine applications.
Temperature resistance
Another important difference between nylon and polyester is their
resistance to heat. Nylon rope cannot withstand heat so well and
will begin to degrade at 210°C. Polyester, however, has a high
melting point of 260°C, so is typically a better choice in extreme
temperatures.
