Nomex
Description
[DuPont] A registered trademark for a meta-Aramid fiber that was originally developed for fire/electrical insulation applications. Nomex fibers are composed of poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide), which is made from m-phenylene diamine and isophthalic acid. The fibers have excellent dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties and are resistant to fire, water, and biological growth. They retain their properties at temperatures up to 370C (700F). Nomex fibers are available as both woven and nonwoven fabrics. Due to its fire resistance, Nomex fabrics are used in fire fighters clothing, military flight suits and other applications in the space program. Soft forms of Nomex are used for as a lining material in packing museum objects. Nomex can also be laminated then expanded to form the lightweight core in board honeycomb structural boards.
Synonyms and Related Terms
aramid; meta-aramid
Other Properties
Resistant to acids, alkalis, bleaches and most solvents. Fiber is smooth. Cross section = dogbone.
| Melting Point | 370 |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.38 |
| Tenactiy | 5.3 g/denier (dry) |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Moisture regain | 3.5% |
Hazards and Safety
Fire resistant and self-extinguishing. Degrades in ultraviolet light.
Forms and Sizes
==Applications for Storage Exhibit
Additional Information
DuPont: Nomex Website
M. Joseph, Introductory Textile Science, Holt Reinhold & Winston, Fort Worth, 1986, p.110-112.
Comparisons
Properties of Synthetic Fibers
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- Preparation, Art Handling, Collections Care Information Network (PACCIN)
- Random House, Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
- Rosalie Rosso King, Rosalie Rosso King, Textile Identification, Conservation, and Preservation, Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ, 1985
- Marjory L. Joseph, Marjory L. Joseph, Introductory Textile Science, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Fort Worth, TX, 1986
- Gordon Hanlon, Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998
- Meredith Montague, Meredith Montague, contributed information, 1998
- Theodore J. Reinhart, Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
- Website address 1, Website address 1 Comment: www.textileworld.com/categories/9905/fibers/html