NOMEX is a aramid fiber manufactured by DuPont.  Blended with 5% KEVLAR, and 2% static dissipative fiber, the resulting fabric is called NOMEX IIIA.

Applications
Petrochemicals, utilities, military applications, auto racing, volunteer and professional fire fighters.

Not Recommended for
Use around any molten substances, welding operations, or in a critical static control application.

Flame Resistance
NOMEX is inherently flame resistant and this property cannot be degraded by laundering.

Arc Rating
Arc rating are values that indicate the arc performance of a material or system of materials and are expressed in calories per centimeter squared.  This value may be either Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) or Breakopen Threshold Energy (EBT), depending on whether or not sufficient energy was transmitted through the material to cause a second degree burn in human tissue before the material broke open.

Arc rating are statistical calculations based on evaluation of a minimum of 20 data points generated in arc testing.  With advances in test methods and testing methodology, new data is constantly being generated.  The information presented is supplied to Bulwark by fiber and fabric vendors and is correct and accurate as of the date of this publication.  Bulwark reserves the right to supplement and update this data based on new information.

Colors
Will dye in a wide range of colors with mixed colorfastness to laundering; some shades good, some fair.

Also available in a solution dyed form where fiber is dyed in the fiber forming process.  This limits color selection, but provides improved colorfastness at increased cost.

Effects of Acids and Alkalis
NOMEX is unaffected by most acids, except for some strength loss after long exposure to hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric.  It has generally good resistance to alkalis.

Effect of Bleaches and Solvents
The fiber is unaffected by most bleaches and solvents, except for slight strength loss from exposure to sodium chlorite bleach.  However, the fabric does not provide personal chemical protection to the wearer.  Where chemical exposure is a hazard, appropriate specialized barrier garments should be selected.

Effect of Mildew, Aging, Sunlight and Abrasion
NOMEX has excellent resistance to mildew, aging and abrasion.  Natural (undyed) NOMEX is not white and will yellow with exposure to sunlight.  Accordingly, some lighter dyed shades will discolor rapidly.  This lighter shades are available in solution dyed form.

Thermal Stability
NOMEX has good thermal stability and does not melt.  The fiber decomposed between 700--800 degrees Fahrenheit.  NOMEX is inappropriate and not recommended for use around any molten substances or welding operations.  Hot molten contact will stick to the fiber, forming holes.

Moisture Regain/Static Control
Moisture regain is moderate compared to other synthetic flame resistant fibers, but on about 70% of cotton. 

Because of the addition of 2% static dissipative fiber, the antistatic performance of NOMEX IIIA fabric is not dependent on ambient relative humidity.  It is important to recognize that NOMEX IIIA fabric is designed to combat nuisance static only and, like 100% cotton, it should not be considered for use in critical static control applications.   It is especially important that garments not be donned or removed in a hazardous area.

Processing
For best color retention, laundry processing should be carried out a 140 degrees Fahrenheit or less in buffered, nonionic detergents.  However, higher temperature/harsher detergent laundering will only affect the color, not the performance of the fabric.  NOMEX garments may be dry cleaned in either perchloroethylene or petroleum solvents.  They may be conditioned or tunnel finished at up to 280 degrees Fahrenheit fabric temperature.

Garment Cost
Garments of NOMEX cost about five times as much as conventional 65% polyester/ 35% cotton, and about 2 times more than FR cotton.

Garment Life
Under normal wear conditions, as long as 3--5 years, or 2--3 times the life of conventional 65% polyester/ 35% cotton, and 3--5 times the life of FR cotton.

NOMEX garments are extremely durable and can be expected to perform well for many years in applications where longevity can be utilized.