What is Nomex?

Whether you are a wildland firefighter or you have seen them in action or in photographs, their uniform is virtually the same across the board. They wear a yellow long-sleeve shirt and green pants (sometimes another color), all made of the same heat and flame-resistant material – Nomex®. Nomex® is the brand name of the material found in this gear, created by the DuPont Chemical Company. This uniform is an essential part of a wildland firefighter’s Personal Protective Equipment.

It is important to understand that Nomex® is NOT flame-proof. If you were to hold a flame to it, it would burn, however once you remove that flame the material stops burning. The fibers are very thick and woven close, and that provides for poor heat conduction. When the material is exposed to heat the fibers expand, closing all the spaces in between and providing insulation to the wearer. This gives the firefighters valuable extra seconds to get to safety in an emergency.

Gear made with Nomex® is the lightest option for Firefighters, which also helps reduce heat stress.

Did you know?

Nomex® is very similar to another well-known DuPont product, Kevlar®. Both products belong to a family of synthetic fibers called aramids. Aramids are known for their strength, durability, and heat resistance. Although Nomex® and Kevlar® have comparable qualities, there are significant differences between the two products. Kevlar® has an extraordinarily high tensile strength-to-weight ratio – it’s five times stronger than steel. For this reason, it’s commonly used in body armor and chainsaw chaps. Nomex®, on the other hand, has excellent thermal resistance, no melting point, and far superior moisture-wicking properties compared to Kevlar®.

Nomex® is not effective if it is excessively dirty, fuel-soaked, or has holes. Do you need to wash, repair or replace yours?