Differences Between UHMWPE Ropes and Aramid Ropes

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Rope (hereinafter referred to as PE), is often called "Dyneema" by many. However, Dyneema is just a brand name for material from DSM; it's just very well-known, so this type of material is often collectively referred to by names like "Dyneema" or similar. Most PE material equipment from domestic Chinese manufacturers is not DSM's product. This material has a mature production scale in China, and the quality of China's UHMWPE ropes is already very good. Even companies like Petzl often opt for cheaper domestic Chinese PE materials instead of Dyneema products. Its color is generally pure white, though there are also small amounts of yellow/black high-modulus polyethylene materials.

Aramid Rope is often heard of as Kevlar rope, as its product brand name is "Kevlar" from DuPont. Another similar material is called Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP), which has performance characteristics relatively close to aramid. Their color is generally yellow. China has consistently had a gap in the production of high-performance aramid compared to foreign countries. In fact, foreign countries also restrict the import of special types of aramid fibers into China because they can be used for military and aerospace purposes.

Single Braided UHMWPE Rope

Double BraidedUHMWPE Rope

Single Braided Aramid Rope (Kevlar Rope)

Double Braided Aramid Rope (Kevlar Rope)

Below is an introduction to the applications of UHMWPE ropes and aramid ropes:

UHMWPE ropes have very high strength and good chemical resistance, often used in marine and mooring applications. Aramid ropes are heat-resistant and commonly used in firefighting fields.

Due to their high strength, both materials are also often used in the manufacturing of ballistic protection equipment. Of course, their material properties also have many differences. For example, high-modulus polyethylene has a very low melting point (around 145°C), but its specific gravity is lighter than water, so it can float on the surface. Aramid, on the other hand, can withstand high temperatures, with a carbonization temperature around 450°C.

Performance Differences Between UHMWPE Ropes and Aramid Ropes:

In the field of personal protective equipment (PPE), ropes made from UHMWPE and aramid materials are more commonly technical accessory cords, with diameters between 5mm and 8.5mm. These accessory cords have very high strength and very low elongation, or may have certain characteristics enhanced through blending.

For UHMWPE, the reasons this material is not suitable as a primary working rope (e.g., for lead climbing/progression) are primarily its low melting point and low coefficient of friction.

For aramid materials, there are indeed a few primary working ropes on the market made entirely of aramid (due to aramid's heat resistance, many are used in firefighting and police environments); they also have low elongation. However, aramid materials are overly sensitive to UV light – perhaps after two or three months of use, UV exposure can cause the rope sheath to become powdery. Furthermore, some aramids are sensitive to frequent bending and prolonged hydrolysis, which can also lead to a reduction in strength.

In terms of elongation properties, both UHMWPE and aramid ropes have extremely low elongation. The significant problem this brings is a reduced ability to absorb impact force. In caving, this poses a great risk: huge impact forces generated during short falls or if intermediate anchor points fail. Therefore, those low-diameter ropes are not suitable for the vast majority of people and environments; widespread use could very easily cause accidents.

Moreover, the price of UHMWPE and aramid materials is far higher than nylon and polyester, so their cost-effectiveness as primary working ropes is also very low.

For purchasing UHMWPE ropes and aramid ropes, welcome to contact the manufacturer——Qingdao Huakai Ocean Technology Co., Ltd. (Hailiya Group).