Fibre properties

FibreMax can produce lightweight precision cables out of almost any fibre material. Each fibre material has its own distinctive properties. The choice for the right fibre is depending on the characteristics of the application. The need for strength or break load, stretch, dimensions or fatigue life will be of influence on the right fibre choice. Also other issues like weight, costs and lifespan can influence the choice. In order to bring light to the different types of fibres we summarize the most common types and their properties.

POLYAMIDE

Polyamide is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers, mainly know as Nylon. The Federal Trade Commission's definition for Nylon fibre: A manufactured fibre in which the fibre forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which less than 85% of the amide-linkages are attached directly (-CO-NH-) to two aliphatic groups. Nylon comes in two forms, Nylon 6 and 6.6, of which the latter has a higher melt point temperature.

Main characteristics:

  • Mainly known as Nylon.
  • Good strength-to-weight ratio.
  • High elongation (30% - 40%).
  • Good UV resistance.
  • Moderate creep behaviour.
  • Nylon loses approx. 10-20 % of its strength when wet.

POLYESTER

Polyester is a category of polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. Although there are many polyesters, the term "polyester" as a specific material most commonly refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The Federal Trade Commission's definition for Polyester fibre: a manufactured fibre in which the fibre-forming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of an ester of dihydric alcohol and terephthalic acid.

Main characteristics:

  • Good strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Moderate elongation (15% - 20%).
  • Highest UV resistance of any fibre.
  • Good abrasion resistance.
  • Keeps strength when wet.

POLYPROPYLENE

Polypropylene is a manufactured, olefin fibre made from polymers or copolymers of propylene. The large number of end use applications for polypropylene are often possible because of the ability to tailor grades with specific molecular properties and additives during its manufacture. For example, antistatic additives can be added to help PP surfaces resist dust and dirt.

Main characteristics:

  • Light weight (floating).
  • Good UV resistance.
  • Good abrasion resistance.
  • Moderate creep.
  • Low strength.
  • Low cost.

ARAMID

 Aramid fibres are a class of heatresistent and strong synthetic fibres. The name is a shortened form of "aromatic polyamid". They are fibres in which the chain molecules are highly oriented along the fibre axis, so the strength of the chemical can be exploited. The Federal Trade Commission's definition for aramid fibre: a manufactured high-modulus fibre in which the fibre-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic aromatic polyamide in which at least 85% of the amide linkages are attached directly to aromatic rings. Aramid is also known by its trade names Kevlar® or Twaron®.

Main characteristics:

  • Mainly known as Kevlar® or Twaron®.
  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Highest resistance to heat of any fibre.
  • Very low creep.
  • Very low elongation (2,4%).
  • Poor abrasion resistance.
  • Susceptible to axial compression fatigue.
  • Non conductive.
  • Poor UV resistance.

HMPE

HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene) is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. It has extremely long chains, with molecular weight numbering in the millions, usually between 2 and 6 million. The longer chain serves to transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions. This results in a very tough material, with the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made.

Main characteristics:

  • Mainly known as Dyneema®, Spectra® or Plasma®.
  • Highest strength-to-weight ratio of any fibre.
  • Highest abrasion resistance of any fibre.
  • Excellent dynamic toughness.
  • Very low elongation (3% - 5%).
  • Excellent flex fatigue resistance.
  • Low resistance to heat.
  • Very high creep.


LCAP

LCAP (Liquid Crystal Aromatic Polyester) are a unique class of wholly aromatic polyester polymers that provide previously unavailable high performance properties. LCAP fibres are produced by melt-spinning from thermotropic liquid crystalline aromatic polyester.

Main characteristics:

  • Mainly known as Vectran®.
  • High strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Low creep.
  • Excellent dynamic toughness.
  • Excellent flex fatigue resistance.
  • Good abrasion resistance.
  • High resistance to heat (melting point of 625°F).


PBO

PBO or polyphenylene benzobisoxazole is a member of the polybenzoxazole class of polymers, one of the various types of highly heat resistant polyheteroarylene (PHA). PBO fibre has properties which make it unique among the known organic fibers. It has higher tensile strength and modulus than Kevlar and it is flame resistant

Main characteristics:

  • Mainly known as Zylon®.
  • Highest strength of any fibre.
  • Highest modulus of any fibre.
  • Zero creep.
  • Very low elongation (2,4%).
  • Poor abrasion resistance.
  • Poor UV resistance.
  • Flame resistant.