DuPont™ NOMEX®, the heat resistant fibre used in products ranging from protective apparel to electrical insulation, marks its 40th anniversary this year. NOMEX® brand fibre, is an inherently flame-resistant, high-temperature fibre that will not melt, drip or support combustion in air. It provides outstanding chemical resistance across a diverse range of applications and is offered in paper, felt, fabric and fibre forms, but it is perhaps best known as a critical component in protective apparel.
Due to its unique combination of flame protection, durability and mobility, today more than three million firefighters around the world are protected by turnout gear, stationwear and accessories made of NOMEX®. The fibre is also is used in apparel worn by military pilots and combat vehicle crew; auto racing drivers, pit crew members and track officials; and industrial workers at risk from flash fire and electric arc hazards.
William J. Harvey, vice president and general manager – DuPont Advanced Fibers Systems said, "The world is a safer and more energy efficient place as a result of NOMEX® and its innovative applications. Over four decades, the NOMEX® brand has become synonymous with safety and protection. We continue to invest aggressively in the development of new NOMEX® applications to help solve the world's evolving needs.”
DuPont introduced NOMEX® in woven and non-woven forms in 1967. While NOMEX® grew out of fundamental R&D work done by Paul Morgan and Stephanie Kwolek, Wilfred Sweeny unveiled the discoveries leading to the final development of NOMEX® at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, USA (the company's global R&D headquarters). Building on the earlier research, Sweeny found a way to make a high-molecular-weight product that could be spun into a tough crystallisable fiber (later named NOMEX®) that possessed outstanding thermal and flame-resistant properties. In 2002, Sweeny was recognised for his contributions with a Lavoisier Medal, the highest honor of science excellence awarded by DuPont.
Committed to continuing to deliver innovation and strong customer service, DuPont last year announced a $100 million global expansion plan to increase worldwide capacity for NOMEX® and support exciting new applications.
Over the last 40 years in the UK, safety innovations surrounding NOMEX® have included:
- Thermal Assessment: Equipment to measure the performance of thermal protective apparel when exposed to fire, ie the DuPont™ THERMO-MAN®, the DuPont™ ARC-MAN® and the DuPont™ MOLTEN METAL MAN®.
- NOMEX® Metal Pro® - a multi-component protective yarn (patent pending), using a new type of NOMEX® fibre with inherent flame-resistance and KEVLAR® fibre.
- NOMEX® Tough Plus® - a new outer fabric with low surface weight and improved thermal properties.
- Increased comfort in garments made of NOMEX®, brought into the market via DuPont’s NQP partners and new colours of NOMEX® Comfort.
In addition to its use in protective apparel, NOMEX® brand paper has been providing high-performance electrical insulation for motors, transformers and generators for decades. The electrical, mechanical and thermal properties offered by NOMEX® help extend the life of electrical equipment, as well as reduce premature failures and repairs. Honeycomb of NOMEX® paper is used for lightweight structural support and helps substantially improve the performance of most commercial aircraft. NOMEX® paper can also be found in consumer appliances, industrial equipment and transportation equipment such as high-speed trains.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.
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