Nomex
ASG work with a broad network of material suppliers and manufacturers which can be used for almost any sealing, gasketing or insulating application - even very specific, hazardous or demanding ones. One such range on offer from our vast catalogue are electrical insulation materials, which consists of different types each with its own set of unique properties to meet particular demands.
Nomex boards and papers are one of many electrically insulating materials on offer from Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd, which is manufactured in roll and sheet form of various sizes and thicknesses from 0.05mm to 0.76mm in the paper form and 1mm up to 4mm in the board variant Nomex can be supplied in full sheets and rolls or as pre-cut components such as gaskets, washers and strips, all of which can be produced on-site using state of the are conversion machinery such as presses, kiss cut machines and log cutters for longer strips or coils.
Material Enquiry
For information on Nomex please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
What are the Key Characteristics of Nomex?
- Colour: Natural
- Thickness: 0.05mm, 0.08mm, 0.10mm, 0.13mm, 0.18mm, 0.25mm, 0.30mm, 0.38mm, 0.51mm, 0.61mm, 0.76mm
- Density: 0.96 g/cm³
- Temperature Range: -196°C to 300°C plus.
- Resistances: chemical resistance to solvents, acids and alkalis, resistance to radiation, corona waste, fungus and humidity
- Flammability: self extinguishing and non-drip
Full technical data can be supplied upon request,
or downloaded from our online portal.
What is Nomex?
Nomex is a synthetic aromatic polyamide polymer, formulated using two types of synthetic aramid polymers: ‘floc’ - short fibres, which provide mechanical strength and ‘fibrids’ microscopic fibrous binding particles, which result in the specialised Nomex boards and papers. These papers and boards can be manufactured with greater densities by way of ‘calendering’, a combination of heat and pressure which create a permanent bond between the fibre structures.
Nomex is used within applications that require the material to reliably perform under high temperatures when exposed to many hazardous properties.
Why Use Nomex?
Nomex boards and papers are specially designed for electrical insulation applications within high and low temperatures, where the components made from these materials are used to restrict the flow of electric current by supporting electrical conductors - without allowing the current to pass through therefore protecting electrical conductors from coming into contact with people or tools during installation, repairs or when an electrical appliance or device is being used.
Electrical insulation materials also prevent electrical arcing (electrical current flows through the air between two conductors, as a result of the electrical breakdown of gas that produces an ongoing electrical discharge) and are used in other electrical insulation applications. Nomex papers and boards offer excellent high temperature and chemical resistance, electrical insulation properties and is flame retardant.
Differences Between Nomex Board and Nomex Paper?
Nomex boards or ‘pressboard’ are manufactured with a higher rigidity and in greater thicknesses than its paper counterpart, offering great thermal and mechanical properties. Nomex boards are produced in sheet form, in sizes up to 6 meters by 3 meters and in three different densities, which can be converted into finished components using saws or presses.
Nomex papers are tough and flexible, manufactured in continuous rolls in thicknesses ranging from 0.05mm up to 0.76mm, which vary in availability depending on which of the 4 types of nomex paper taken.Properties offered by Nomex also vary depending on the type, but include mechanical properties, flame resistance, corona resistance and most importantly electrical insulation properties. The paper variants are often softer, more conformable and can be used for cushioning.
Types of Electrical Insulation Materials Available
Advanced Seals & Gaskets work with a multitude of material manufacturers, giving our customers more choice and ensuring we can offer a solution to just about any application, our most popular electrical insulation materials include:
Epoxy Glass - a green coloured material with good mechanical strength, good chemical, electrical and radiation resistance, low moisture absorption and a working temperature range of upto +120℃.
Kapton - is a polyamide film which offers a combination of mechanical and tear strength along with chemical, electrical and thermal properties that enables the gasket to withstand vibration and extreme temperatures in demanding environments.
Leatheroid - is a grey/blue coloured paper gasket material, also sometimes called Elephantide. This material is used within the electrical industry to insulate hot elements.
MICA - is a mineral based sheeting material which has excellent mechanical performances, is resistant to chemicals and provides electrical and therm insulation. MICA gaskets are often used to replace asbestos as they can withstand extremely high temperatures of up to 1000℃.
MYLAR is an extremely strong, flexible polyester film. MYLAR is an excellent insulation material with dielectric strength, moisture resistance and is an excellent insulation material.
Presspahn is a brown coloured material, manufactured using kraft wood pulp. Presspahn sheets have excellent physical and mechanical properties, generally used as electrical insulation.
SRBF is resin bonded fibre material which is tough and rigid, with an operating temperature of 120℃, low water absorption and is resistant to wear, impact chemicals.
SRBP (synthetic resin bonded paper) is manufactured using layers of paper and synthetic resins. This material is suited to high and medium voltage application. SRBP has good mechanical and excellent electrical insulation properties, with low water absorption.
Valox is an excellent electrical insulation material which also offers flame retardant properties.
PTFE is a non- conductive plastic material used to produce electrical insulation sheets. PTFE sheets are suitable for high temperature applications and have a high melting temperature. This material has excellent dielectric properties and can be often found used in circuit boards.
PVC is a tough, lightweight abrasion, chemical and moisture resistant material which has good dielectric strength making it a great material to use for electrical insulation applications.
Benefits of Using Nomex
- Self extinguishing
- Tear resistant
- Wide operating temperature range of –196 to +300°C
- Formable
- Radiation resistant
- Non-toxic
- Electrical insulation
Advantages of Using Nomex
Nomex is highly advantageous for use in applications that require a durable material with excellent properties which can protect products and equipment from extreme heat and electrical damage, therefore saving users money. Nomex can operate within a temperature range of -196°C to over 300°C, offers chemical resistance to solvents, acids and alkalis, resistance to radiation, corona waste, and fungus and is self-extinguishing, it can also be used where there is exposure to oils, resins and refrigerants. Not only can Nomex be cut or pressed into usable products, it can also be fabricated using glue, painted and will hold foil and adhesive laminates.
Nomex boards and papers are manufactured in various densities, thicknesses and with various compounds which offer different levels of resistance. As Nomex is flame, chemical, heat and radiation resistant with a strong and durable physicality, the material can be found used throughout military, aerospace and automotive industries. Nomex is so highly reliable and durable, it was used on the externals of the space shuttle orbiter for protection against the sun’s rays and also from the freezing temperatures.
Popular Applications for Nomex
- Electrical insulation of transformers, generators, electric vehicle motors, or wind turbine systems
- Electrical insulation in electronics
- Thermal protection in EV batteries
- Within fire fighting equipment
- Nomex is used in industrial applications as a filter in exhaust filtration systems,to deal with hot gas emissions found in asphalt plants, cement plants, steel smelting facilities, and non-ferrous metal production facilities
- Thermal barriers
- Gaskets
- Noise and vibration dampening
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.