How to Dissolve Polyester Rope

When working with solvents that release harmful fumes, work in well ventilated areas with a fan to disperse the hazardous fumes.

Polyester rope sometimes is a nuisance more than it is a help. When it needs to be removed, but can't simply be untied, it can be dissolved using a basic solvent or ammonia. Always be careful when working with plastics because fumes are released that can pose health hazards.

Things You'll Need

• Metal bucket
• Ammonia
• Fan

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Instructions

1. Set up the fan in the work area and open all available windows and doors to get good air flow.

2. Fill the metal bucket one-third full with ammonia.

3. Add the same amount of water to the bucket.

4. Submerge the polyester rope in the mixture until it dissolves.

Tips & Warnings

• Increasing surface area of the rope that is exposed to the ammonia solution reduces the time it takes the plastic to dissolve.

• If ammonia is unavailable, a solution of concentrated lye (sodium hydroxide) will also dissolve polyester.

• Don't use plastic gloves or buckets with ammonia because they will degrade.

• Don't breathe ammonia fumes.

• Discard the ammonia and dissolved polyester rope mixture according to local hazardous waste laws, which vary from state to state.

References

• Make Work Easier; Solvent and Chemical Resistance Information

Resources

• Textile Information, Garment Processing, Technical Textiles, Natural Dyes, Textile Finishing