by 
The Curious Bag
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Nomex is the commercial name for the chemical company DuPont's line of flame- and heat-resistant materials. Nomex's technical name is synthetic aromatic polyamide polymer known as a synthetic aramid; it has a wide range of uses in many different industries.
History
In 2007, Nomex celebrated its 40th anniversary. Dr. Wilfred Sweeny's breakthrough discovery of a flame-resistant polymer in 1953 lead to the creation of Nomex, and DuPont shared it with the world in 1967.
Features
Nomex is not only heat and flame resistant but can also withstand contact with many chemical compounds. Unlike other materials, when a flame is placed on Nomex, it will burn but only where the flame is touching; remove the flame, and Nomex will not burn.
Clothing
Nomex is worn by more than 3 million firefighters, according to DuPont. But other occupations that deal with exposure to heat and fire wear it as well: race car drivers, pit crews, industrial workers and some military personnel. Nomex is very strong but very lightweight.
Insulation
Just as fire cannot pass through Nomex, an electrical current cannot pass through it, making it a near-perfect insulator. Generators, transformers, motors, automotive parts, aircraft parts and other industrial equipment are insulated with Nomex.
Forms
Nomex is used in different forms, such as fabric, fiber, pressboard and felt.
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