Sailing ropes

There is a wide variety of agro-based or natural fibres to consider for utilization. They can be subdivided based on their origin, viz. vegetable, animal or minerals. Cellulose as a material is used by the natural world in the construction of plants and trees, and by man to make shipping sails, ropes and clothes, to give but a few examples. It is also the major constituent of paper and further processing can be performed to make cellophane and rayon. Depending on the part of the plant from which they are taken, cellulose fibres can be classified as ... 

We can manufacture fibers from a wide range of polymers. Polyamides, polyesters, and polypropylene can be woven or knitted into fabrics, ranging from those as coarse and strong as those used in back packs, luggage, and sails, to soft and highly flexible fabrics used in sweaters, shirts, and other apparel. Polymer filaments and yarns can be twisted or woven to make string, twine, cords, and ropes. 

Hemp was grown in Colonial and Revolutionary America. Indeed, farmers were sometimes required to grow hemp because it was used to make ropes for the sailing ships that were the lifeblood of international commerce and military power. 

I echnological feats are made possible only after the appropriate materials 1 have been developed. Columbus made it to the Americas with rugged sails of canvas, firm ropes of hemp, and a sturdy wood hull bound by metal. Likewise, whether our dreams are to remain fiction or turn into fact depends on the materials available to us. Today, with a growing number of remarkable materials, we can send data through fiber-optic cables, crisscross the skies, or fly to Mars and beyond—a sign that the human spirit of exploration is more empowered than ever before. 

After the American Revolution, American settlers continued to grow hemp of excellent quality in the land now known as Kentucky. Hemp fiber continued to be a cash crop, the source of rope that rigged many of the world s sailing ships, and the rugged fabric that covered settlers wagons as they made their way westward. Canvas, another hemp product, was widely used for sails in the shipping industry. A remarkably durable cloth, it is one of the few that seawater does not rot or mildew. (The word canvas is rooted in cannabis. )... 

Strangely, the ancient Greeks and Romans paid hardly any attention to the fiber in this plant, although its use for ropes and sails had been introduced from Gaul as early as the third century B.C. It was not until the first century A.D. that Pliny the Elder outlined the grades and preparations of hemp fiber. 

FIGURE 9-2 Modem abaca or manila rope, which is derived from a plant in the banana family, was the major line used on sailing ships because of its superior saltwater resistance (Courtesy Phoenix Rope and Cordage Company). 

Aramid fibers and ultra high molecular weight polyetlylene fibers (UHMWPE) are used in a variety of apphcations. For example, marine tow ropes, mooring cables, anti-ballistic clothing, fishing nets, sail doth are prime... 

Cannabis saliva, more commonly known as marijuana, is a hemp plant that grows freely throughout the world. The cannabis plant is known most commonly today as a potent psychoactive substance, but for many years it was harvested primarily for its fiber. These strong hemp fibers were employed in the production of rope, clothes, and ship -sails. Although cannabis was used for several centuries in other parts of the world for its mind-altering properties, it was not until the first third of this century that its psychoactivc properties were recognized in the United States. Then the hemp plant was more often harvested for its psychoactive effects. 

Nylon Polyamide Strong, lustrous, easy to wash, smooth, resilient Carpeting, upholstery, tents, sails, hosiery, stretch fabrics, rope... 

Dacron Polyester Strong, easy to dye, shrink-resistant Permanent-press fabrics, rope, sails, thread... 

All naval battles until 100 years ago were fought with wooden ships that were kept afloat and moving by rosin, ropes, and sails. Hardened wood and strongly tanned leather were the first offensive and defensive weapons, and later, catapults and artillery were placed in position on wooden carriages drawn by horses or men using cellulosic ropes. Even today, the common propellants for all firearms are based on cellulose nitrate or on equivalent organic polymers. 

The properties of the most important LCP fibers are listed in Table 1.2. The key application areas for LCP fibers include hard armor (vehicles, helmets), soft ballistic protection (vests), cut protection (gloves), and a variety of composite uses that include honeycomb structure, pressure vessels, and rubber reinforcement. Ropes and cables find utility in the mooring of huge offshore structures such as oil-drilling platforms and the reinforcement and support of optical cables. LCP fibers also find specialty niche markets such as sails for racing yachts, specialized fishing nets, etc. 

Recreational marine Sailing vessels, large and small mooring lines flag halyards waterski tow ropes sail boards... 

Ships and ropes seem to go together. This is typified by the ropewalks built in ports during the days of sail. Now sailing is for recreation and is covered in the next section, but the change to steam and other sources of power still leave many uses for ropes aboard ship. 

Large sailing ships, such as the old four-masters, with vertical masts and horizontal yards were once the ubiquitous vessels that carried cargoes or equipped navies. Now a few, either renovated or replicated, still sail as heritage attractions or cadet training ships. They employ a great range of ropes. 

Polyester is a category of polymers which contain the ester functional group in their main chain. It is used mainly in textiles and packaging industry. It is also used to manufacture high strength ropes, thread, hoses, sails, floppy disk liners, power belting, etc. Oil palm fiber is a better reinforcement in polyester matrix. 

Both the aramids and the polyethylenes have wide use in personal protective armor, and the polyethylene fibers have found wide use as ropes and lines for mountain climbing as well as boating and sailing because of their high strength and low density. They float on water and have a pleasant feel or hand as a rope or line. 

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