All high performance fibres, such as aramid, HMPE, LCP and PBO, distinguish themselves from basic polysynthetics by an almost perfect molecular structure. This structure gives fibres with 3 to 8 times greater strength than 'regular' synthetics, with elongation properties more comparable to steel. Lankhorst Touwfabrieken processes these fibres into high performance ropes. NIOZ has been using high performance ropes since the 1980s and testing at Lankhorst/ Phillystran has shown the current superior durability of Vectran.