Mark Minton
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Hazel Barton and Sterling Ropes have just released results
of tests to determine whether quaternary ammonium compounds harm rope
and
webbing:
<<http://www.caves.org/WNS/Sterling%20Results.pdf>http://www.caves.org/WNS/Sterling%20Results.pdf>.
They tested both nylon and polyester rope. As you can see, there is
essentially no effect on strength. This is in accord with the
chemistry of nylon and polyester and is what I would have
expected. Note that these results are for Sterling products only,
but they can be reasonably assumed to apply to other manufacturers'
products as well. The only thing I found strange is that they tested
at a minimum concentration of only 0.15% quaternary ammonium
compounds, while the decon procedures call for 0.3%. Nevertheless, I
don't think that will make any difference.
