General NOMEX Information: Nomex® is a family of aromatic polyamide (aramid) fibers. This family consists of staple fibers, continuous filament yarns, paper, and spunlaced fabrics. The paper is produced from two forms of the aramid polymer. Small fibrous binder particles (fibrids) derived directly from the polymer under high shear conditions are mixed with short fibers (floc) which are cut to length from a fiber filament. The floc and fibrids are combined in a water based slurry from which a continuous sheet is produced on a specialized papermaking machine. This initial paper (as in Type 411) is low density and has poor properties. Subsequent densification and internal bonding is achieved by high temperature calendaring. The resulting paper is mechanically strong and has good electrical properties. Some uses for paper product include insulation in electric motors and transformers, wire wrapping, and honeycombed strength members in many aircraft. Nomex® brand fibers are inherently flame resistant: the flame resistance is a polymer property and does not diminish with the life of the fiber.

Nomex® meta-aramid, poly(meta-phenyleneisophthalamide), is prepared from meta-phenylenediamine and isophthaloyl chloride in an amide solvent. It is a long chain polyamide in which at least 85% of the amide linkages are attached directly to two aromatic rings. The meta oriented phenylene forms bends in the polymer chain, reducing chain rigidity as compared to the para orientation in the chemically similar Kevlar® chain. This flexible polymer chain gives Nomex® more textile-like qualities while retaining high temperature properties similar to Kevlar®.

Information provided by DuPont.