Meta - Aramids

(Manmade Fiber)

Nandini Agarwal
M.Des22_22
Aramids
Aramid fibers are man-made high-performance fibers, with molecules that are
characterized by relatively rigid polymer chains. These molecules are linked by strong
hydrogen bonds that transfer mechanical stress very efficiently, making it possible to use
chains of relatively low molecular weight. Nomex and Kevlar belong to the class of aramid
fibers with the general characteristics which include a high melting point, a high strength
to weight ratio and low elongation at break.These composite materials were developed
by Dupont labs in the sixties and although Nomex and Kevlar are similar, they belong in
different 'aromatic polyamide' classes, that is the meta-aramid and para-aramid fibers,
respectively.
Properties
Nomex and related aramid polymers are related to nylon, but have
aromatic backbones, and hence are more rigid and more durable. Nomex
is an example of a meta variant of the aramids. Unlike Kevlar, Nomex
strands cannot align during filament polymerization and have less
strength: its ultimate tensile strength is 340 MPa.However, it has
excellent thermal, chemical, and radiation resistance for a polymer
material. It can withstand temperatures of up to 370 °C.
Chemical
Composition
Nomex (meta-aramid), is prepared from meta-phenylenediamine and
isophthaloyl chloride in an amide solvent . It is a long chain polyamide
where at least 85% of the amide linkages are attached directly to two
aromatic rings
Manufacturing
Meta-aramid is manufactured by wet spinning, the result is a
semi-crystalline fiber with the molecular chain oriented along the
fiber axis. They have a tenacity of about 5.6g/den and can
withstand stress during fire exposure and high temperatures.
Processing
Aramids are made in a two-stage process. First, the basic polymer is
made by reacting together organic (carbon-based) substances to form
a liquid. In the second stage, the liquid is spun out to make solid fibers,
which can then be woven into textiles or converted into sheet form.
Nomex generally comes in three kinds. It's either used by itself (as 100
percent Nomex), blended with up to 60 percent Kevlar, or blended
with Kevlar and some anti-static fibers. In this last form, it's known as
Nomex III.
Various Types and Sizes
Meta-aramids come in two different types: spun, often used in sewing
applications for clothing, and continuous filament which boasts a higher
strength and is perfect for reinforcement and strength member type
applications. Para-aramids also come in spun and continuous filament types.
Meta-aramids have a filament size of 2 dpf and para-aramids typically a
filament size of 1.5 dpf. Between the two, the available denier sizes are not
always equivalent however, many different sizes can be constructed using
the common multi-filament base denier sizes that are available from the
major aramid fiber producers.
 Fiber Type Meta-Aramids

Filament size 2

Specific Gravity (g/cm^3) 1.38

Tenacity 4-5
Properties
Initial Modulus (g/dn) 80-140
Physical

Elongation break % 15-30

Continuous Operating Temperature (F)

400

Decomposition Temperature 750

Limiting oxygen index 28-30

 Usage
Nomex Paper is used in electrical laminates such as circuit boards
and transformer cores as well as fireproof honeycomb structures
where it is saturated with a phenolic resin. Honeycomb structures
such as these, as well as mylar-Nomex laminates, are used
extensively in aircraft construction. Firefighting, military aviation,
and vehicle racing industries use Nomex to create clothing and
equipment that can withstand intense heat. A Nomex hood is a
common piece of racing and firefighting equipment. It is placed on
the head on top of a firefighter's facemask. The hood protects the
portions of the head not covered by the helmet and face mask from
the intense heat of the fire.
Meta-Aramid possesses excellent heat stability, electric insulation, chemical stability and
radiation resistance.These fibers are flame-retardant and stop burning of their own accord
after the flame has been taken out. Meta-aramids are highly resistant to many solvents, acids
and lyes. Anti-static components (carbon or steel fiber) are added to Meta-Aramid in order to
avoid static charging.The meta-aramid’s high resistance to heat makes it the perfect material
for electrical insulation, protective gear and heat shields in vehicles. Some of the main end-
uses for Meta Aramids are protective clothing, hot gas filtration and electrical insulation.
References
https://textilelearner.net/uses-and-properties-of-nomex-fiber/
https://www.dupont.com/products/nomex-fibers.html
https://www.servicethread.com/blog/what-are-the-differences-between-meta-aramid-and-para-aramid-yarns
https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Felliotts.net%2Fpara-aramid-vs-meta-aramid-
fibres&psig=AOvVaw3_M-dBexqkS-Qqqax-
5GeH&ust=1665813935878000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA4QjhxqFwoTCJiWitGG3_oCFQAAAAAdAA
AAABAV
https://www.google.co.in/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjT5ci6h9_6AhX58jgGHdkXBKwQFnoECAgQAw&url=
https%3A%2F%2Fsagezander.com%2F2021%2F04%2F26%2Fmeta-aramid-nomex-conex-newstar-heat-
fire%2F&usg=AOvVaw0mV50RtroGsWeMvEdx5TQ5
https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-meta-and-para-aramid/
https://www.fiber-line.com/en/fibers/nomex-meta-aramid/
Thank You