Markets for Man-Made Fibre Ropes and Cordage

Ropes made from natural fibres have been used since prehistoric times. But over the last 50 years, natural fibres have given way to synthetic fibres. The biggest advances, however, have taken place over the last 25 years with the emergence of materials such as aramids, gel spun high modulus polyethylene (HMPE), thermotropic liquid crystal polymers (TLCP), polybenzoxazole (PBO), Tensylon, and glass and carbon pultrusions.

Ropes made from high-tech materials are now able to compete with steel in many end uses?although polyester continues to find a strong market by virtue of its lower cost. In the marine civil engineering sector, one major growth area is deep water mooring. Another is the market for nets which are designed to protect risers in offshore oil and gas platform installations from drifting vessels. One net alone can consume 10 tons of fibres. As offshore gas exploration moves to greater depths, there will be growing demand for ropes to deploy and recover sub-sea platforms, as well as to moor support vessels.

Considerable scope exists also for lighter man-made fibre ropes to replace steel in long established land-based uses such as elevator cables, cranes and mine hoists. However, the main barrier to the greater use of fibres in such applications is the conservatism of engineers and a reluctance to try materials which have not yet proved themselves. Ironically, steel continues to be used as the tension members in a fast growing market for technical textiles?textile fabric structures such as the Millennium Dome in London.

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Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility. You will also receive a monthly update of business news, called "Technical Textiles Business Update" delivered to you by email, free of charge.
Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.