Dyneema® is a high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) which is a subset of the thermoplastic polyethylene. It has extremely long molecular chains, which transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions. This results in a very tough material, with the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made. It is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals, with exception of oxidizing acids. It has extremely low moisture absorption, has a very low coefficient of friction, is self-lubricating, and is highly resistant to abrasion (15 times more resistant to abrasion than carbon steel).
In relation to PBO, a Dyneema® cable is around 10 percent heavier and 22 percent larger in diameter for the same level of stretch. It does suffer from creep which rules it out for side shrouds, however, its durability around corners makes it an ideal fibre for certain applications e.g. strops.
