What characteristic of synthetic fibers' friction is lower than that of Manila?

The characteristic of synthetic fibers that has a lower value compared to Manila is the coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction is a measure of how much frictional resistance a material encounters when in contact with another surface. In the case of synthetic fibers, this coefficient is generally lower than that of Manila fiber, which leads to less friction when handling, pulling, or working with ropes and lines made from synthetic materials.

This lower coefficient means that synthetic fibers can often slide more easily against other surfaces, making them useful in applications where reduced friction is desirable, such as in winch lines or for easier handling on deck operations. This contrasts with Manila, which tends to be more abrasive and has higher friction, potentially leading to increased wear and stress on both the line and handling equipment.

Synthetic fibers’ other characteristics such as static or kinetic friction do not directly address the comparison being made and are better interpreted through the lens of the coefficient. Shear strength as a property refers to a material's capability to resist sliding forces acting parallel to its surface and does not pertain to the frictional interaction with other materials. Hence, focusing on the coefficient of friction provides a precise understanding of the comparative frictional properties between synthetic fibers and Manila.