What limitation does Manila rope have that leads many companies to prohibit its use?

Manila rope is commonly associated with a significant limitation due to its propensity to rot. This is primarily because Manila rope is made from natural fibers derived from the abaca plant, and when exposed to moisture or wet conditions, it absorbs water. Over time, this increased moisture exposure can lead to the breakdown of the fibers, causing the rope to weaken and deteriorate. Rotting can severely compromise the integrity and safety of the rope, making it unsuitable for many applications where reliability is crucial.

In contrast, other options like high moisture absorption and high cost do pose concerns, but they are not as critical as the issue of rotting. Moisture absorption does affect the rope, but the primary concern remains its susceptibility to rot and the potential for failure in safety-critical situations. Similarly, while cost is always a consideration in choosing materials, the consequential effects of rotting directly lead to prohibition more frequently than cost or moisture absorption. Lastly, while low strength can be a characteristic of some ropes, Manila rope actually has good tensile strength compared to other natural fibers, which further emphasizes that rotting is the primary concern in its use.