Nomex is a trademark for a flame-resistant meta-aramid developed by Dupont. Nomex has good thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance for a polymer material. For example, the firefighters’ suits are made of Nomex because of their resistance to fire and chemicals. But this also causes Nomex to have a poorer strength and a lower
resistance to heat than Kevlar.
Features of Nomex
Insulation
Wherever electrical insulation is required, NOMEX can usually be seen.
Mechanical Toughness
The product has very high strength, good elasticity, tear-resistance, abrasion resistance, and thinner products are flexible.
Thermal Stability
The product is recognized by the UL material temperature class of 220°C, which means that it can maintain effective performance for more than 10 years even if it is continuously placed at 220°C.
Compatibility
Most solvents are not affected and are very resistant to acid and alkali corrosion. It is also compatible with all varnishes, adhesives, transformer fluids, lubricating oils, and cooling agents.
Low-temperature Performance
Under the boiling point of nitrogen (77K), the tensile strength of NOMEX; T410 type insulating paper and NOMEX® 993, 994 type laminates exceeds the strength value at room temperature.
Insensitive to Moisture
When the product is 95% wet, its dielectric strength is 90% of that in an arid state. At the same time, many mechanical properties are improved.
Radiation Resistance
even if the intensity of ionizing radiation reaches 800 Mrads (8 Mgrays), NOMEX® the product is unaffected, and after 8 times this dose of radiation, it still maintains its mechanical and electrical properties.
Non-toxic
The product will not cause any known toxic reactions to humans or animals.
Flame resistance
The product does not melt in the air and does not support combustion. And at 220°C, its limited oxygen index (LOI) is more significant than 20.8 (the critical value of combustion for general air), so it will not burn.
Applications of Nomex
Filter Material
NOMEX fiber has excellent high-temperature resistance, flame retardancy, good spinnability and dimensional stability, and good mechanical properties. It is made into filter bags in the industry and can withstand high-temperature smoke at 200 ℃. The instantaneous temperature can reach 250℃, widely used in the high-temperature flue gas dust removal project of cement rotary kiln head and kiln tail.
Flame-retardant Fabric
Use NOMEX fiber to woven fabric. Add 2% anti-static and 5% aramid 1414 to make NOMEX3A flame-retardant fabric, which is the best choice for work clothes in the petroleum industry.
Nomex in Aluminium Profile Extrusion Industry
Nomex felt belts are widely used in the aluminum extrusion industry.
For aluminum extrusion,
Nomex felt belts usually could withstand temperatures up to 450℉/280℃.
