Chemical Formula of the NOMEX® / KEVLAR®
Generalities of the NOMEX® / KEVLAR®
Nomex®
Nomex® is a brand of high performances synthetic fibres. The Nomex® was the first aramid commercialised (in 1961 by the company DuPont de Nemours). It’s a meta-aramid: the poly (m-phenyleneisophtalamid). The abbreviation is MPD-I. This fibre, like each aramid, can be used in extreme conditions. Thanks to its low combustibility and its thermostability, this material is used for safety materials. For example, the Nomex® fabric is used on the manufacturing of fireman clothes.
Kevlar®
The poly(p-phenylneterephtalamide) (PPD-T) is a polymer composed of aromatic nucleuses separated by amid groups. It’s belonging to aramid fibres family. The poly-para-phenylene terephtalamide was discovered and commercialised under the trademark « KEVLAR® ». This material was found in 1965 by Stéphanie Kwolek and Herbert Blades, researchers of the company DuPont de Nemours. The company decides to call this polymer “ KEVLAR®”. It was commercialised in 1972.
Dollfus & Muller is using Nomex® to manufacture Nomex® belts and Nomex® felts for printing dryer belts, sublimation transfer felts, compacting felts. Other aramids like Nomex® and Kevlar® are now available.
Physical Characteristics of the NOMEX® / KEVLAR®
- Low resistance against ultraviolet rays
- Low absorption of humidity (4%)
Nomex®
Kevlar®
Thermical Characteristics of the NOMEX® / KEVLAR®
- Marginal loss of mechanical performances under high temperature
- No thermical dilation
- High resistance against fire (decomposition at 400-425 °C)
Mechanical Characteristics of the NOMEX® / KEVLAR®
- High resistance to the traction
- High elasticity
- Excellent resistance to the shocks and the tiredness
- Absorption of the vibrations
- Very good resistance to compression
Chemical Characteristics of the NOMEX® / KEVLAR®
- Good chemical behaviour towards fuels and sea water
- Moderately resistant to the strong acids and basics
Nomex®and Kevlar® are DuPont de Nemours registered trademarks
