What is a common failure mode for parachute fabric in the presence of solvents or fuels?

What is a common failure mode for parachute fabric in the presence of solvents or fuels?

• A. Swelling, weakening, or discoloration of the fabric.
• B. Increased strength and resilience.
• C. No change to material properties.
• D. Fabric becomes waterproof.

Answer: (A)

When parachute fabric is exposed to solvents or fuels, the material tends to swell and weaken, often with noticeable discoloration. The reason is that solvent molecules diffuse into the polymer of the fabric (usually nylon), acting as a plasticizer. This increases the mobility of the polymer chains, causes the fabric to absorb solvent and swell, and reduces the intermolecular forces that give the fiber its strength. The net effect is a drop in tensile strength and durability, with possible changes in stiffness and appearance. That’s why this option is the best answer: it directly describes the damaging effect of solvent or fuel exposure on parachute fabric. The other possibilities don’t fit the reality of how solvents interact with polymer fabrics—they don’t increase strength, they don’t leave properties unchanged, and they don’t make the fabric more waterproof. In fact, coatings that provide water resistance can be degraded by solvents, further compromising performance.

When parachute fabric is exposed to solvents or fuels, the material tends to swell and weaken, often with noticeable discoloration. The reason is that solvent molecules diffuse into the polymer of the fabric (usually nylon), acting as a plasticizer. This increases the mobility of the polymer chains, causes the fabric to absorb solvent and swell, and reduces the intermolecular forces that give the fiber its strength. The net effect is a drop in tensile strength and durability, with possible changes in stiffness and appearance.

That’s why this option is the best answer: it directly describes the damaging effect of solvent or fuel exposure on parachute fabric. The other possibilities don’t fit the reality of how solvents interact with polymer fabrics—they don’t increase strength, they don’t leave properties unchanged, and they don’t make the fabric more waterproof. In fact, coatings that provide water resistance can be degraded by solvents, further compromising performance.