The past, present and future of synthetic fiber ropes

The first synthetic fiber, nylon, was discovered in 1935 and introduced in 1939. Nylon was first used in ropes in 1942. During the next 50 years, six more significant fiber rope materials were introduced: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, aramid, highmodulus polyethylene (HMPE) and liquid crystal aromatic polyester (LCAP, also known as LCP). This was an average of one new material every seven years. But no other significant new fiber rope making materials have been introduced since 1990. In addition to the ancient 3-strand rope, many new rope constructions have been developed, including a-strand, 12-strand, double-braid, and parallel subrope. Specialized constructions include kernmantie, parallel yarn and bend-over-sheave. Fiber ropes are now used for many purposes wtlich could not have been envisioned seventy-five years ago. These include tethers in outer space and moorings in very deep water depths. Two new fiber rope making materials might soon be available. Several companies have developed feasible synthetic spider silk production processes and have contracted to produce the material for sports garments. This may be the breakthrough to make synthetic spider silk ropes feasible. The space elevator concept would employ a very high strength cable extending from earth to a geosynchronous satellite to carry payloads into outer space. The potential cost savings are great. This incentive is driving significant research to develop very high strength carbon nanotube fiber ropes to accomplish this task.