These fibres are much stronger than conventional synthetic fibres such as polyamide, polyester and polypropylene. Strength and elongation are similar to wire but due to the significantly lower weight, ropes made from these fibres are much lighter and easier to handle than any other type of rope.

Aramid Fibres

Aramid fibres typically have high strength and low stretch. It does not creep and does not melt but chars at high temperatures.
Aramid is susceptible to axial compression but has very good fatigue properties
(tension-tension fatigue life).
Common trade names are Twaron, Kevlar, Technora

Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)

Liquid Crystal Polymer fibres have high strength and low stretch and excellent resistance to creep and flex fatigue. The fibre has a temperature resistance between HMPE and Aramid (melting point of 300°C).
LCP fibres have excellent long-term durability to fatigue, cutting and abrasion.
Common trade name is Vectran®.

High Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE)

High Modulus Polyethylene is a fibre with a high strength per weight ratio and low stretch characteristics. HMPE fibres have very good fatigue and abrasion properties but limited temperature resistance, having a melting point of 147°C and a maximum continuous working temperature of 65ºC.
HMPE has good resistance to axial compression, a low coefficient of friction and good abrasion resistance.
Common trade names are Dyneema® and Spectra®.