Natural fiber rope absorbs water, causing it to:

• A. Strengthen when wet
• B. Lose strength when wet
• C. Become buoyant when wet
• D. Dries instantly

Answer: (B)

Natural fiber ropes are hygroscopic, so they soak up water. When wet, the moisture causes the fibers to swell and the fiber structure to become more plastic, which lowers tensile strength. Water also reduces the friction between fibers inside the rope, so strands slip more under load, making the rope weaker. The rope becomes heavier and less stiff, further decreasing its ability to carry a load safely. Because of these effects, it loses strength when wet, rather than gaining strength, becoming buoyant, or drying instantly.