Basics

• Nomex is an aramid (heat-resistant fabric) strongly related to nylon and used primarily as protective apparel. It is composed of a synthetic fabric that is inherently flame resistant. According to DuPont, it is also resistant to minute traces of radiation and some chemicals.
  
  

Mechanism

• Nomex works as a flame-resistant material using three mechanisms. The fiber absorbs any incoming heat, keeping it away from the wearer. The fiber swells and thickens with heat to fill gaps in the apparel that the heat would otherwise use to get to the wearer. Finally, the thickening and absorption of heat increases the fabric's insulating properties, offering further protection.
  
  

History

• Nomex fabric was first explored back in the 1950s. It was finally made commercially available in 1967 by DuPont. Nomex was developed by Dr. Wilfred Sweeny, who won a Lavoisier Medal in 2002 partly for his work with the material. The name "nomex" was trademarked by DuPont in 1972.
  
  

Uses

• Nomex is used primarily as protective apparel for firefighters, pilots and race car drivers because of its resistant and protective properties. It may be used in conjunction with Kevlar, which is a much stronger fabric often used to create body armor. Nomex is employed as an insulator in electrical generators, transformers and other electrical applications because of its thermal properties. It is also a building material in airplanes because of its combination of strength and light weight.