Did you know that polypropylene rope is one of the most versatile and widely used rope materials across a wide range of industries? However, as popular as it may be, many people don’t exactly know what it is or where they can use it.
Keep reading as we break down everything you need to know about polypropylene rope, including the different types, its pros and cons, and where it is most commonly used.
What is polypropylene rope?
Polypropylene rope is a type of synthetic rope, made from thermoplastic polymer – the second-most produced commodity plastic. Polypropylene rope is similar to polyester rope but cheaper, and as such, is often preferred for its affordability.
Types of polypropylene rope
There are three main types of polypropylene rope: braided, coated and three stands. But how can you tell the difference between the three?
Braided polypropylene rope
Braided polypropylene rope is produced by assembling multiple strands of yarn and then braiding them together, usually in an 8 or 16 plait construction, to form the entirety of the compact rope. The number of strands and thickness of such determines the overall rope diameter, meaning that the various combinations can generate an unlimited range of diameters. The ‘diamond’ braiding pattern used to form the rope also allows for a variety of different colour combinations, by utilising different coloured yarn in the construction.
Three strand polypropylene rope
Three strand polypropylene ropes are made of only 3 strands; twisted together into a rope. These are often sold and identifiable as split film blue polypropylene rope, though are available in white and various other colours also, and are much cheaper and more accessible than other polypropylene rope styles. Three strand polypropylene rope is available in a wide variety of diameters, made depending on how thick each strand is before being twisted into the rope.
Staple spun polypropylene rope
Staple spun polypropylene rope is a variation of three strand polypropylene rope. This type of rope has the appearance and construction of a traditional, natural rope, with the strength, abrasion and wear-resistance of a synthetic rope.
In contrast to split film three strand polypropylene rope, the polypropylene fibres are first spun into yarns before being twisted to form the finished 3-strand rope – using the same production method as natural ropes. This gives a softer but more hairy finish; giving it a stronger breaking point and making it easy to handle or grip when wet or dry.
Key characteristics and benefits of polypropylene rope
Polypropylene rope has a wide range of key characteristics and benefits, making it one of the most popular rope materials. These include:
1. Lightweight and buoyant
Polypropylene rope is incredibly lightweight, buoyant and easy to use. Made of low-density textile fibres, this material is light enough to float on the water – yet does not shrink, swell or change shape. With its smooth finish (which doesn’t splinter) and lightweight, polypropylene rope is incredibly user-friendly, easy to knot and effortless to handle.
2. Durable and versatile
This type of rope is also very strong and durable. Made from a robust commodity plastic and available in a wide variety of diameters (impacting its strength), polypropylene rope successfully withstands wear and tear for years on end, in various, high-stamina industries, and is incredibly versatile in use.
3. Cost-effective
As they’re made with the second-most mass-produced commodity plastic, polypropylene ropes are incredibly cheap and affordable – especially compared to other synthetic and natural ropes. This makes them more accessible across various industries, and easy to replace.
4. High visibility
Made in a wide variety of colourways, polypropylene rope is highly visible – perfect for use in water, low light conditions and harsh weather. Though more commonly sold in blue, black and beige, you can find a wide selection of bright and visible coloured three stand polypropylene ropes and braided ropes at specialist rope stores.
5. Ultra-resistant
Polypropylene rope is extremely resistant to a wide range of environmental and chemical factors, including acids, alkalis, oils, organic solvents, alcohol, animal sweat, moisture, mildew, and mould. This adds to its strength and durability, preventing bacterial growth, decay and breakage, as well as making the rope relatively low maintenance.
Limitations of polypropylene rope
However, as with anything, there are limitations to polypropylene rope. These include:
1. Temperature sensitivity
Polypropylene rope is sensitive to temperature and UV rays. This is because it has a lower melting point compared to other synthetic and natural ropes, making it more susceptible to UV damage, breakage and setting alight.
2. Limited load bearing
Whilst polypropylene rope is strong and durable, it does have limitations in high-load applications compared to other rope materials – especially dependent on the type of rope and its diameter.
3. Environmental impact
As polypropylene ropes are made from a thermoplastic polymer, they can be easily recycled. However, mass-producing this commodity plastic can have a drastic impact on the environment. Therefore, it is worth considering whether the recyclability of this rope outweighs the disadvantages of the environmental impact.
Common uses of polypropylene rope
Polypropylene rope is used across a wide range of industries and applications. With such a vast range of use, it is no wonder that polypropylene, including polypropylene rope, is one of the most mass-produced commodity plastics.
1. Agriculture
Polypropylene rope is widely used in the agricultural industry. Often found on farms, polypropylene is used for supporting crop growth, as well as packing and shipping harvested produce. The agricultural industry is one of the most prevalent users of polypropylene rope, due to its lightweight material, affordability, durability and reusability season after season.
2. Marine, fisheries and boating
Up there with the agricultural industry, the marine, fishing and boating industry is also one of the most prevalent users of polypropylene rope. Often used for anchor lines, winches, mooring, life ropes and fishing nets, polypropylene rope is preferred for its buoyancy, resistance to water and rot, durability, and high visibility in water and low light conditions. Polypropylene rope does not easily tangle with propellers and motors and is lightweight to move by hand, making it the perfect rope in high-impact, wet conditions.
3. Construction and engineering
Polypropylene rope is often found to be the standard rope material for construction and engineering; it’s used as a safety barrier on scaffolding, to create large nets to carry heavy construction materials, as pulleys along a worksite, and in the soil of construction sites to increase the foundation’s strength. This is because polypropylene rope is durable, affordable and easily accessible for large-scale construction and projects.
4. Military and defence
Did you know that the military and defence industry also use polypropylene rope? Often found on training courses to tow gunnery targets, as rappelling and climbing ropes, and as safety nets, the military uses polypropylene rope for its durability, accessibility, affordability and reusable nature. Whether it’s used as an obstacle or as a resource, polypropylene rope is used widely to improve the overall fitness and fine motor skills of military recruits and servicepeople.
5. Water sports
With such popular use in the marine industry, it is no surprise that polypropylene rope is also used in water sports. With their buoyant behaviours and soft material, polypropylene ropes are perfect for use as pool dividers, wakeboarding and waterskiing tows, and most importantly, as life ropes.
6. Outdoor camping, rock climbing and hiking
Due to their durability and resistant nature, you will often find polypropylene ropes in the kits of campers, climbers, hikers and mountaineers. Soft and strong for rappelling and climbing, or for hanging hammocks and tents, polypropylene ropes are one of the most ideal and safest ropes to use in these circumstances.
7. Home and garden use
Unsurprisingly, with their wide range of benefits and industrial uses, you can also find polypropylene rope in homes and gardens. From outdoor rugs, washing lines and DIY rope decor, to chairs, treehouses and railings, polypropylene rope can be used everywhere. Many people also choose to purchase pet leads made from polypropylene ropes due to their strength and resistance.
Frequently asked questions about polypropylene rope
Is polypropylene rope safe for pets?
Polypropylene rope is often used for pet leads and harnesses, as it is strong and weather-resistant. However, we do not recommend giving pets toys made from polypropylene, as they could swallow the fibres if torn, which can get trapped in their digestive tract.
Can you dye polypropylene rope?
Whilst you can purchase pre-coloured polypropylene rope, the composition of the rope makes it impossible to dye once produced, as the pigment cannot get into the compact fibres.
Which is stronger, nylon or polypropylene rope?
Nylon rope is considered to be stronger than polypropylene. However, this is often dependent on the type of polypropylene rope (braided vs coated) and the diameter of the rope.
Can polypropylene rope get wet?
Yes, polypropylene rope can get wet. Polypropylene rope is water and moisture-resistant, making it buoyant and resistant to mould and mildew, as well as resistant to shrinking or swelling.
Is polypropylene rope good for outdoor use?
Generally speaking, polypropylene rope is an ideal rope material for outdoor use due to its strength, durability and overall resistance. However, polypropylene rope should be kept out of direct sunlight due to its vulnerability to UV rays and heat.
How do you seal polypropylene rope?
To cut and seal polypropylene rope, we recommend using a hot knife rope cutter. The heated mechanism will smoothly cut and seal the synthetic fibres in the rope – preventing unravelling and fraying.
Is polypropylene rope expensive?
No, polypropylene rope is one of the most cost-effective, affordable ropes on the market. This is because it is mass-produced and costs very little to manufacture.
At Rope Source, we’re considered quite the expert when it comes to everything rope-related. Head over to our handy Rope Source blog to learn more about different rope materials and what you can do with them, or contact our friendly team for further expert advice!