Overview
ISO 10572:2009 - Mixed polyolefin fibre ropes - specifies requirements and designation rules for synthetic fibre ropes made from mixed polyolefin (polypropylene/polyethylene) bi‑component fibres. The standard covers four rope constructions: 3‑strand hawser‑laid (Type A), 4‑strand shroud‑laid (Type B), 8‑strand braided (Type L) and 12‑strand braided (Type T). It defines materials, construction rules, physical property limits (linear density and minimum breaking force), and marking/packaging references.
Key topics and requirements
- Materials: Ropes must use bi‑component fibres produced by blending polypropylene and polyethylene; polyethylene content is specified between 15% and 50%.
- Construction types: Type A (3‑strand hawser‑laid), Type B (4‑strand shroud‑laid), Type L (8‑strand braided) and Type T (12‑strand braided) are explicitly defined.
- Designation rules: Fibre ropes are designated using the format:
Fibre rope ISO 10572 - [Type] - [Reference number] - PO
(Example: Fibre rope ISO 10572 - A - 20 - PO).
- Physical properties: Tables in the standard provide linear density (ktex) and minimum breaking force (kN) for each reference diameter. Linear density is measured under reference tension as specified in ISO 2307.
- Test context & limitations: Breaking forces relate to new, dry and wet ropes. ISO 10572 notes test results depend on terminations, bends, knots, prior conditioning and test method - a real‑world breaking load can be lower.
- Conformance: Construction, lay, labelling, packaging and delivery length requirements reference ISO 9554:2005. Marking follows Clause 6 of ISO 9554.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 10572:2009 is used by manufacturers, purchasers, specifiers and testing laboratories involved with synthetic fibre cordage where mixed polyolefin ropes are chosen for their performance, weight and cost characteristics. Typical applications include:
- Marine mooring lines, docking and light towing (where reduced weight and buoyancy matter)
- General industrial rigging, lifting and securing
- Outdoor and recreational cordage where UV and moisture behaviour of polyolefins is relevant
- Suppliers preparing technical data sheets, labels and conformity documentation
Procurement teams, quality managers, rope manufacturers and test houses consult ISO 10572 to ensure product consistency, perform acceptance testing and correctly label rope types and capacities.
Related standards
- ISO 2307 - Measurement of physical and mechanical properties (linear density, breaking force)
- ISO 9554:2005 - General specifications for fibre ropes (construction, labelling, packaging)
- ISO 1968 - Fibre rope vocabulary (terms and definitions)
Keywords: ISO 10572:2009, mixed polyolefin fibre ropes, 3‑strand hawser‑laid, 4‑strand shroud‑laid, 8‑strand braided, 12‑strand braided, linear density, minimum breaking force, polypropylene polyethylene, fibre rope designation.
