What Is Vinyl String?
Vinyl string is a term referring to ropes made of synthetic fiber.
Vinyl string exhibits various properties depending upon the material. These synthetic fiber-based ropes offer superior strength, water resistance, and chemical resistance when compared to natural fiber ropes like cotton and hemp. However, they may lack heat resistance, abrasion resistance, and UV resistance in some cases.
Different materials like polyester and vinylon are used to make vinyl strings, each addressing specific drawbacks. Therefore, understanding the material composition is crucial before selection. The thickness and construction of vinyl string significantly influences its strength and susceptibility to kinking.
3-strand 3-ply rope, known for its strength, is particularly prone to kinking. Consequently, kink-resistant varieties like crossed rope or braid are widely used.
Uses of Vinyl String
Vinyl string is primarily used for packing and cargo handling, but serves diverse purposes depending on the material. For instance, PP (polypropylene) rope, known for its strength, affordability, and water resistance, is popular in the fishing industry and general cargo handling. On the other hand, PE (polyethylene) rope, lightweight, water-resistant, and strong, yet hard and slippery, is suited for agricultural nets and interior applications. Polyester ropes, with excellent abrasion, weather, and water resistance, in addition to strength, is ideal for lifelines and lifesaving ropes.
Features of Vinyl String
Vinyl string comes in various types, each with unique features. The primary advantages include strength, superiority to natural fibers, excellent abrasion resistance, and resilience against tearing. It also boasts significant water, chemical, and mildew resistance, enhancing their overall durability. Recent advancements in recycling technology have made vinyl string more environmentally friendly.
However, a notable disadvantage is that most vinyl string does not decompose naturally and need proper disposal. If neglected in the field, it can persist undecomposed, potentially causing damage to agricultural machinery.
Types of Vinyl String
The most commonly used materials for vinyl string are:
1. Nylon
Nylon is renowned for its exceptional strength, friction and shock resistance, and slight water absorbency.
2. Polyester
This durable rope is resistant to acids, alkalis, and seawater, and boasts excellent weather and abrasion resistance.
3. Polypropylene (PP)
PP is cost-effective, strong, and lightweight, but vulnerable to ultraviolet rays. Some rope is treated with color to mitigate this issue.
4. Polyethylene (PE)
PE is lightweight, water-resistant, and strong, but also hard and slippery.
5. Vinylon
Vinylon is known for its strength, durability, and ease of use. However, it tends to harden when dried after getting wet. It is used in a wide range of applications.
How to Select Vinyl String
The selection of vinyl string depends on the intended use, which varies with the material.
1. Nylon
Thin nylon is used for decorations, nets, and leads, while thicker versions serve purposes like climbing, slings, and towing.
2. Polyester
Thin polyester is suitable for binding, whereas thicker ropes are used in fishing, maritime activities, and as main lines.
3. Polypropylene
Thin PP rope is ideal for decoration and bundling, while thicker ones are utilized in cargo handling, fishing, and marine applications.
4. Polyethylene
PE rope, both thin and thick, is employed in agriculture, horticulture, and netting, with the thicker variants also used in fishing.
5. Vinylon
Thin vinylon rope is apt for tents, tarps, and bundling, whereas thicker ones are preferred for cargo handling and main lines.