HMPE (Plasma®, Spectra®, Dyneema®) - High-modulus polyethylene fibers produced by gel-spinning ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
- Highest strength-to-weight ratio of any fiber
- Highest abrasion resistance of any fiber
- Excellent dynamic toughness
- Very low elongation (3% - 5%)
- Excellent flex fatigue resistance
- Low resistance to heat
- Susceptible to creep
LCP (Vectran®) - High-modulus fibers produced by melt-spinning from thermotropic liquid crystalline aromatic polyester.
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Zero creep
- Excellent dynamic toughness
- Excellent flex fatigue resistance
- Good abrasion resistance
- High resistance to heat(melting point of 625°F)
- Highest strength-to-weight ratio of any fiber
ARAMID (Kevlar®, Twaron®) - A manufactured high-modulus fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic aromatic polyamide in which at least 5% of the amide linkages are attached directly to aromatic rings.
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Highest resistance to heat of any fiber(chars at 800°F)
- Negligible creep
- Poor abrasion resistance
- Susceptible to axial compression fatigue
POLYESTER (Pet, Pen) - Includes polymers composed of linear macromolecules having in the chain at least 85% by mass of an ester of a diol and terepthalic acid.
- Excellent general purpose fiber
- Highest UV resistance of any fiber
- Good abrasion resistance
- Good strength-to-weight ratio
- Moderate elongation (15% - 20%)
POLYAMIDE (Nylon) - A manufactured fiber composed of linear macromolecules having in the chain recurring amide linkages, at least 85% of which are joined to aliphatic or cycloaliphatic units.
- Good strength-to-weight ratio
- Good shock absorbing characteristics
- High elongation (30% - 40%)
- Good UV resistance
COPOLYMER (Olyfin, Polyester) - The molecular combination of olefin (polypropylene/polyethylene) fibers together or with other fibers such as polyester.
- Moderate strength combined with moderate elongation
- Light weight (floating)
- Good UV resistance
- Good abrasion resistance
POLYOLEFIN (PE, PP) - A class of polymers in which the fiber-forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethene (ethylene), propane (propylene), or other olefin units.
- Light weight (floating)
- Low cost
- General purpose fiber
