Nomex (flame-resistant meta-aramid)
Nomex (meta-aramida ignífuga)
- Date
- 1961 · confidence medium
- Place
- Wilmington, Delaware, United States
- Credited to
- DuPont laboratories (Wilfred Sweeny)
- Field
- Tools
What it is
An aromatic polyamide fibre that does not melt or burn and withstands temperatures of about 370 degrees. It is used in fire-fighter, aviator and racing-driver suits, and in electrical insulation.
Discovered in 1961 and marketed in 1967; sources vary on the principal researcher's name (Sweeny, Paul Morgan and others). It is the first commercial aramid.
What it led to
- flame-resistant clothing for fire-fighters, soldiers and racing drivers
- electrical insulation and aeronautical honeycomb panels
- Kevlar as the para-oriented aramid