DuPont™ Nomex® Marks 40 Years of Safety and Protection

Innovations include Wind Power, Military,
and Multi-threat Protection

WILMINGTON, Del., March 13, 2007 / PRNewswire / – DuPont™ Nomex®, the heat resistant fiber used in products ranging from protective apparel to electrical insulation, marks its 40th anniversary this year, as demand increases for the high-performance material and its numerous applications. Nomex® is an inherently flame-resistant, high-temperature fiber that will not melt, drip or support combustion in air. It also delivers outstanding resistance to a broad range of chemicals and is offered in paper, felt, fabric and fiber forms.

Nomex® brand fiber is used across a diverse range of applications, but it is perhaps best known as a critical component in protective apparel. Today, more than three million firefighters around the world are protected by turnout gear, stationwear and accessories made of Nomex® due to its unique combination of flame protection, durability and mobility. Nomex® also is used in apparel worn by military pilots and combat vehicle crew; auto racing drivers, pit crew members and track officials; and industrial workers at risk from flash fire and electric arc hazards. Troops in Iraq are being outfitted with Nomex® apparel to protect them from burns caused by roadside bombs, one of the greatest threats to American troops.

"The world is a safer and more energy efficient place as a result of Nomex® and its innovative applications. Over four decades, the Nomex® brand has become synonymous with safety and protection. We continue to invest aggressively in the development of new Nomex® applications to help solve the world's evolving needs," said William J. Harvey, vice president and general manager – DuPont Advanced Fibers Systems.

DuPont introduced Nomex® in woven and non-woven forms in 1967. While Nomex® grew out of fundamental R&D work done by Paul Morgan and Stephanie Kwolek, Wilfred Sweeny unveiled the discoveries leading to the final development of Nomex® at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, Del., the company's global R&D headquarters. Building on the earlier research, Sweeny found a way to make a high-molecular-weight product that could be spun into a tough crystallizable fiber (later named Nomex®) which possessed outstanding thermal and flame-resistant properties. In 2002, Sweeny was recognized for his contributions with a Lavoisier Medal, the highest honor of science excellence awarded by DuPont.

Committed to continuing to deliver innovation and strong customer service, DuPont last year announced a $100 million global expansion plan to increase worldwide capacity for Nomex® and support exciting new applications including:

Wind Power – Expanded Nomex® applications, providing solutions for the growing use of wind power in countries like Spain and China
DuPont™ Nomex® Limitedwear for Military– A lightweight, limited-use garment designed as specified by the military to help protect soldiers from flash fires.
Selective Permeable Membrane (SPM) Technology – DuPont is working with the U.S. Army Soldier System Center in Natick, Mass., on new lightweight suits featuring DuPont's SPM technology, which will help protect front line defenders from chemical and biological agents.
DuPont™ Tychem® ThermoPro – A single garment that combines flash fire and chemical protection.

In addition to its use in protective apparel, Nomex® brand paper has been providing high-performance electrical insulation for motors, transformers and generators for decades. The electrical, mechanical and thermal properties offered by Nomex® help extend the life of electrical equipment, as well as reduce premature failures and repairs. Honeycomb of Nomex® paper is used for lightweight structural support and helps substantially improve the performance of most commercial aircraft. Nomex® paper can also be found in consumer appliances, industrial equipment and transportation equipment such as high-speed trains.

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.