Page 26 - The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Knots

exposure to the ultra-violet radiation from sunlight (so store in a shady place).
Both can be put away wet or dry. Polythene and polypropylene float, making

them obvious choices for lifelines, ski-lines and other buoyant roles.
All synthetic cordage melts if subjected to extreme heat, and its surface will

glaze and harden (impairing its function) at friction-generated lesser
temperatures. Nylon and Terylene have the highest melting points, at around

473–482°F (245–250°C), but that is not much higher than the flash-point for
paper. Even a lighted match will do irreparable harm to them, so keep cordage

away from barbecues and decorators’ blow torches. Polypropylene melts at about
302°F (150°C), while polythene is most vulnerable of all at something like

262°F (128°C).
The so-called miracle fibers, with their phenomenal power-to-weight ratios,

represent the cutting edge of the cordage industry’s technology; and, for those
who value high performance beyond mere money, their expense is justified.

They are neither necessary nor desirable for the knots featured in this book.