DuPont completes global expansion of Nomex capacity

08 Apr '09

3 min read

DuPont has completed a planned expansion for DuPont Nomex with the successful startup of a previously announced new production unit at its Asturias, Spain, facility. This expansion is the final step in a three-phase plan to increase worldwide capacity for Nomex that includes production at Richmond, Va., and at a DuPont joint venture in Japan.

The new capacity is part of a recent investment totaling more than $100 million to increase capacity for Nomex ingredients, fiber and paper to support global demand across multiple market segments, including aircraft, military, firefighters and critical first responders.

"These investments demonstrate DuPont's commitment to customers and to protecting lives. It is our intent to continue to be a leader in high-performance fibers and papers well into the future," said Thomas G. Powell, vice president and general manager -- DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems. "In addition to the critical gear that protects people, demand for Nomex has sharply increased in industrial applications, such as lightweighting for aircraft, reducing energy use in motors and generators, and improving efficiency in transformers used for wind power."

DuPont Nomex is an inherently flame-resistant, high-temperature fiber that will not melt, drip or support combustion in air. It provides outstanding resistance to a broad range of chemicals, delivering protection against a variety of threats. More than 3 million firefighters around the world are protected by gear and accessories made of Nomex, while it also is used in apparel worn by military pilots and combat vehicle crews; auto racing drivers, their pit crews and race track officials; and industrial workers at risk from flash fires and electric arc hazards. Members of the military wear apparel made with Nomex to protect them from burns caused by roadside bombs, one of the greatest threats to combat troops in recent years.

Nomex paper has provided high-performance electrical insulation for motors, transformers and generators for more than three decades. Nomex paper provides reliable insulation in consumer appliances and industrial equipment and provides lightweight structural support in transportation equipment such as high-speed trains and throughout the body of most commercial aircraft.

New applications for Nomex include:
• Wind power -- Expanded Nomex applications in motors, generators, and transformers providing energy-efficient solutions for the growing use of wind power;
• ChemBio garments -- Thermal protection for front-line defenders facing chemical and biological threats;
• DuPont Tychem ThermoPro -- A single garment that combines flash fire and chemical protection;
• Hot gas filtration -- Nomex also is used in hot gas filtration operations, helping to reduce manufacturing emissions.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries and regions, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont, The miracles of science, Nomex and Tychem are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.

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