Overview
EN ISO 10572:2009 - Mixed polyolefin fibre ropes is the CEN-endorsed version of ISO 10572:2009. It specifies construction, material and performance requirements for mixed polyolefin fibre ropes and gives rules for designation and marking. The standard covers 3‑strand hawser‑laid, 4‑strand shroud‑laid, 8‑strand braided and 12‑strand braided rope constructions made from bi‑component polyolefin fibres.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and constructions: four defined rope types - Type A (3‑strand hawser‑laid), Type B (4‑strand shroud‑laid), Type L (8‑strand braided) and Type T (12‑strand braided).
- Materials: fibres must be bi‑component (co‑extruded) blends of polypropylene and polyethylene, containing 15 % to 50 % polyethylene.
- Designation rules: ropes are designated by the words “fibre rope”, the standard number, rope type, reference number and material (example: Fibre rope ISO 10572 - A - 20 - PO).
- Physical properties: detailed tables specify linear density (ktex) and minimum breaking force (kN) for each reference number and rope type. Tables distinguish eye‑spliced terminations versus unspliced ropes and state nominal tolerances. Linear density is measured under reference tension per ISO 2307.
- Testing and measurement: references to ISO 2307 for measurement of physical/mechanical properties, ISO 1968 for vocabulary and ISO 9554 for general rope specifications (construction, lay, labelling, packaging, delivery).
- Marking: marking requirements follow Clause 6 of ISO 9554:2005.
- Performance note: the standard highlights that breaking force measured under ISO 2307 is for new, dry and wet ropes and may not predict performance under all service conditions (effects of bends, knots, terminations and previous loading).
Applications and who uses this standard
EN ISO 10572:2009 is intended for:
- Rope manufacturers designing and certifying mixed polyolefin ropes.
- Quality and test laboratories performing linear density and breaking force measurements.
- Procurement/specifiers in industries that select synthetic rope based on standardized properties.
- Maritime, offshore and industrial users who require consistent product designation, traceability and minimum performance data for polyolefin ropes.
Typical practical uses include mooring, towing, lifting and general utility cordage where lightweight, buoyant or chemically resistant synthetic ropes are preferred (selection should consider the standard’s limits and test guidance).
Related standards
- ISO 1968 - Fibre ropes and cordage: vocabulary
- ISO 2307 - Determination of certain physical and mechanical properties (reference tension and breaking force)
- ISO 9554:2005 - Fibre ropes: general specifications (construction, labelling, packaging, marking)
Keywords: EN ISO 10572:2009, mixed polyolefin fibre ropes, polyolefin ropes, 3-strand hawser-laid, 4-strand shroud-laid, 8-strand braided, 12-strand braided, linear density, minimum breaking force, ISO 2307, ISO 9554.