Nomex
Description
[DuPont] A registered trademark for a meta-Aramid fiber that was originally developed in the 60s 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 honeycomb structural boards.
Synonyms and Related Terms
aramid; meta-aramid; Nomex Softwrap; Nomex Gentle Wrap
Physical and Chemical Properties
Resistant to acids, alkalis, bleaches and most solvents. Fiber is smooth. Permeable to air and moisture. Fiber cross section = dogbone.
| Melting Point | 370 |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.38 |
| Tenactiy | 5.3 g/denier (dry) |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Moisture regain | 3.5% |
Applications
- Lining cavities cut in foam
- Cane be sewn and bonded with hot melt adhesives without melting
Working Properties
The spunwoven version of Nomex is typically used in museum applications. It has the unique ability to stretch in one direction, preventing bunching and folding of loose material within a cavity (PACCIN).
Forms and Sizes
Available as fibers, paper/fabric, felts, and rigid honeycomb boards. Flexible fabric typically comes rolls with widths of 39”. Thicknesses range from 3 to 30 mils.
Hazards and Safety
Fire resistant and self-extinguishing. Degrades in ultraviolet light. May be susceptible to snagging on corners.
Risks to Collections
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