Analysis and comparison of textile physical property profiles of yarns for steel rope cores

Abstract

Steel wire ropes are key components in mine hoisting technology, whose performance is largely determined by their design and the choice of materials. In addition to the steel strands, fibre cores perform key functions such as lubricant storage and strand support. However, there is a lack of systematic analyses on the use of synthetic fibres and the influence of their textile-physical properties on the functionality of steel wire ropes. The aim of this work is to investigate and comparatively evaluate natural and synthetic fibre yarns for use in fibre cores. To this end, requirements for yarn materials for fibre cores were derived and suitable test methods defined. The investigation included mechanical material tests as well as tests on water content, capillary action and yarn surface area. The results were compiled in an evaluation matrix that enables a systematic comparison of the yarn materials. The evaluation matrix provides a practical tool for structured material selection and can be flexibly adapted to various application scenarios.