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.