Tissue de Voile

Kevlar is stronger than steel – and lighter.

Different kinds with different characteristics. Type 29 better in flex than Type 49. Type 49 50% better in stretch than 29. Twaron is very similar to Type 49, while Technora fibres have a performance that sits between those of Type 29 and Type 49 - available in black and gold.

5 times better stretch than Polyester, double that of Pentex. Aramide yarns can be woven to a tight fabric and bonds well on Mylar.

Aramids only have a moderate resistance to UV, and it performs poorly when it comes to resisting repeated flex. Technora is better in both of these instances.

Carbon consists of mainly carbon atoms. Each fibre consists of hundreds to thousands of filaments (tubes) with a diameter of few micrometers.

Different types with almost zero stretch to those with better flexibility.

Extremely low stretch and insensitive to UV. Can use less fibre for same strength – saves weight.

Dyneema has extremely long molecular chains, therefore enormous breaking strength.

Very strong, and resistant to stretch. Good resistance against UV and material fatigue, very light.

Under permanent load the fibre tends to elongate, so the sail can change shape under high loads of long duration.

Yarns and fabrics called Nylon derive from the Brand name of Du Pont, but never copyrighted, therefore used generically for all thermoplastic polyamides.

Very light, elastic - good break load. Good against chafe and flex. Therefore ideal for downwind sails.

Stretch resistance not good enough for upwind sails.UV and moisture reduces its strength.

Woven Polyester fabrics have been used for more than 60 years as sailcloth.

Polyester is very durable. Good against UV. Economical. For high performance sails stretch resistance is not good enough.

High performance fibre usually used in laminates and membranes.

High Tenacity. Low elon-gation. Good flex/fold characteristics. No creep. Moderate UV resistance (better than golden Aramid).

Vectran is based on polyester with aramid type molecular structure to combine the pros of both materials. Vectran is a quasi-polyester. Colour is gold.

Vectran has good stretch resistance and does not deteriorate in use. UV resistance is better than Aramid, suitable for use on performance cruiser with main emphasis on durabilty.

Flex resistance is better than Aramid. It is not as stretch resistant as Aramid.

Woven polyester fabrics are developed to a very high standard. Polyester is the most used sailcloth, known as Dacron, Tetoron, Terylene, Trevira and Diolen too.

A very durable fabric, good against UV, flex and economical. Suitable for sails requiring durability.

Technically, Taffetas are all types of fine, light woven fabric (for example silk). Taffeta for sail production are tight woven polyester as layer on laminates for better resistance against UV, tear, flex and chafe.

Taffeta can also be used inside two layers of film for a better flex.

Nylon can be woven very tight, fabric is light and strong.

Very light, good breaking load. Good against flex and chafe therefore ideal for downwind sails.