DuPont Nomex Paper Type 410

Technical Data Sheet

DuPont Nomex paper Type 410 is an insulation paper which offers high inherent dielectric
strength, mechanical toughness, flexibility and resilience. Nomex paper Type 410 is the
original form of Nomex paper, and is widely used in a majority of electrical equipment
applications. Available in 11 thicknesses (0.05 to 0.76 mm) (2 to 30 mil), Nomex paper
Type 410 is used in almost every known electrical sheet insulation application.

Electrical properties
The typical electrical property values for Nomex paper Type 410 are shown in Table I. The AC Rapid Rise dielectric
strength data of Table I, representing voltage stress levels, withstood 10 to 20 seconds at a frequency of 60 Hz.
These values differ from long-term strength potential. DuPont recommends that continuous stresses in transformers
not exceed 1.6 kV/mm (40 V/mil) to help minimize the risk of partial discharges (corona). The full wave impulse dielectric
strength data shown in Table I are based on multiple sheets. These values are appropriate for the applications which
employ these materials in such configurations. Data based on single sheets of material are available upon request.
The geometry of the system has an effect on the actual impulse strength values of the material. The dielectric strength
data are typical values and not recommended for design purposes. Design values can be supplied upon request.

Table I Typical electrical properties

Nominal Thickness (mil)
(mm)

2
0.05

3
0.08

5
0.13

7
0.18

10
0.25

12
0.30

15
0.38

20
0.51

24
0.61

29
0.73

30
0.76

Dielectric strength
AC rapid rise1
(V/mil)
(kV/mm)

460
18

565
22

715
28

865
34

845
33

870
34

850
33

810
32

810
32

760
30

680
27

1000
39

1000
39

1400
55

1400
55

1600
63

N/A
N/A

1400
55

1400
55

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

1250
49

1.6

1.6

2.4

2.7

2.7

2.9

3.2

3.4

3.7

3.7

3.7

Full wave impulse2

(V/mil)
(kV/mm)
Dielectric Constant3
at 60 Hz
Dissipation Factor
at 60 Hz (x 103)

ASTM D149 using 50 mm (2 inches) electrodes, rapid rise; corresponds with IEC 60243-1 subclause 9.1 except for electrode set-up of 50 mm (2 inches)
ASTM D3426
3
ASTM D150
1
2

Temperature has a minor effect on dielectric strength and dielectric constant, as shown in Figure 1.
Variations in frequency up to 104 Hz have essentially no effect on the dielectric constant of Nomex paper Type
410. The effects of temperature and frequency on dissipation factor of dry Nomex paper Type 410 0.25 mm
(10 mil) paper are shown in Figure 2. The 60 Hz dissipation factors of thinner papers are essentially
the same as those for 0.25 mm (10 mil) at temperatures up to 200C. At higher temperatures and frequencies,
the thicker papers have somewhat higher dissipation factors than those shown for the 0.25 mm (10 mil).

Figure 1. Effect of Temperature on Electrical Properties

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)

Percent of Room Temperature Value

130
120

Dielectric constant (60 Hz)

110
100
90
80

Dielectric strength

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0

50

100

150
Temperature, C

200

250

300

Dielectric constantASTM D150; Dielectric strengthASTM D149

Figure 2. Dissipation Factor versus Temperature and Frequency

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)
0.05
60 Hz
0.04
2

10 Hz
Dissipation Factor

Please note:
The properties in this data sheet are
typical or average values and should
not be used as specification limits.
Unless otherwise noted, all properties
were measured in air under standard
conditions (in equilibrium at 23C, 50%
relative humidity). Note that, like other
products of papermaking technology,
Nomex papers have somewhat
different properties in the papermaking
machine direction (MD) compared
to the cross direction (XD). In some
applications it may be necessary
to orient the paper in the optimum
direction to obtain its maximum
potential performance.

0.03

10 Hz

0.02

10 Hz
0.01

0.00
0

50

100

150
Temperature, C

200

250

300
ASTM D150

Like other organic insulating materials, Nomex

paper is gradually eroded under attack by corona
discharges. Corona intensity is a function of voltage
stress, which, in turn, depends almost entirely on
design parameters such as spacing between circuit
elements, smooth vs. sharp contours, etc. Although
corona does not occur during normal operation of
properly designed electrical equipment, any device
may be subject to occasional overvoltages which
produce brief corona discharges; and it is important
that the insulation not fail prematurely under these
conditions. The voltage endurance (time to failure
under corona attack) of Nomex paper Type 410 is
superior to other commonly used organic insulations
and even compares favorably with some inorganic
compositions, as shown in Figure 4. These data
were obtained in all cases on single layers of 0.25
mm (10 mil) materials at room temperature,
50% relative humidity, and 360 Hz frequency.
Times to failure at 5060 Hz are approximately 67
times as long as indicated.

19

10

18

10

17

10
Volume Resistivity, ohm.cm or
Surface resistivity, ohm/square

The relatively minor effects of moisture (humidity)

on the electrical properties of Nomex paper Type 410
0.25 mm (10 mil) are shown in Table II.

Figure 3. Resistivity versus Temperature Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)

16

10

15

10

Surface resistivity

14

10

13

10

Volume resistivity

12

10

11

10

10

10

50

100

150
Temperature, C

200

250

300
ASTM D257

Table II Humidity Effects on Electrical Properties

Nomex paper Type 410 0.25 mm (10 mil)

Relative Humidity, %

Oven Dry

50

96

850
33.5

815
32.1

780
30.7

Dielectric Constant2
at 60 Hz
at 1 kHz

2.5
2.3

2.7
2.6

3.2
3.1

Dissipation Factor2
at 60 Hz (x 103)
at 1 Hz (x 103)

6
13

6
14

11
25

6 x 1016

2 x 1016

2 x 1014

Dielectric Strength1
(V/mil)
(kV/mm)

Volume Resistivity3, (ohm.cm)

ASTM D149 using 50 mm (2 inches) electrodes, rapid rise; corresponds with IEC 60243-1 subclause 9.1 except for electrode set-up of 50 mm (2 inches)
ASTM D150
3
ASTM D257
1

Figure 4. Voltage Endurance of Various Insulating MaterialsSingle Layer

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)
24
Glass/mica splittings/glass
(with silicone)

20
Polyester
(mat/film/mat)
100% epoxy
impregnation

16
Stress in kV/mm

Surface and Volume Resistivities of dry Nomex

paper Type 410 0.25 mm (10 mil) paper are
shown in Figure 3 as functions of temperature.
The corresponding values for other thicknesses of
Nomex paper Type 410 are very similar.

Polyester film

Rag paper

12
NOMEX paper Type 410

8
Asbestos paper

4
0
.01

.1

10

100

Time, hr, for 5th of 10 Failures

1000

10000

ASTM D2275 360 Hz

The typical mechanical property values for

Nomex paper Type 410 are shown in Table
III. The effects of high temperatures on
tensile strength and elongation are illustrated
in Figure 5. Nomex sheet structures also
retain good mechanical properties at very
low temperatures. At the boiling point of
liquid nitrogen (minus 196C or 77K) the
tensile strength of Nomex paper Type 410
0.25 mm (10 mil) paper exceeds its roomtemperature value by 30 to 60% (depending
on direction), while elongation to break is still
greater than 3% (better than most inorganic
materials at room temperature). This allows
Nomex paper Type 410 to work well in
cryogenic applications.

Figure 5. Effect of Temperature on Mechanical Properties

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)
140
130

Tensile elongation (MD)

120
Percent of Room Temperature Value

Mechanical properties

110
100
90
80
70
Tensile strength (MD)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0

50

100

150
Temperature, C

200

250

300
ASTM D828

Table III Typical Mechanical Properties

Nominal Thickness (mil)
(mm)

2
0.05

3
0.08

5
0.13

7
0.18

10
0.25

12
0.30

15
0.38

20
0.51

24
0.61

29
0.73

30
0.76

Test Method

Typical Thickness1 (mil)

(mm)

2.2
0.06

3.1
0.08

5.2
0.13

7.2
0.18

10.2
0.26

12.2
0.31

15.3
0.39

20.4
0.52

24.2
0.61

28.7
0.73

30.6
0.78

ASTM D374

41

64

115

174

249

310

395

549

692

846

839

ASTM D646

0.72

0.81

0.88

0.95

0.96

1.00

1.02

1.06

1.13

1.16

1.08

43
19

68
34

141
71

227
116

296
161

380
208

462
252

610
374

728
500

832
623

816
592

ASTM D828

MD
XD

9
7

12
9

16
13

20
15

22
18

23
18

20
16

21
17

18
14

16
13

18
14

ASTM D828

MD
XD

0.7
1.5

1.2
2.4

2.3
4.8

3.7
7.2

5.6
10.6

7.1
13.7

9.0
16.7

14.3
24.8

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

TAPPI414

Initial Tear Strength2, N

MD
XD

11
6

16
9

31
17

48
27

69
42

88
55

110
71

158
114

191
153

233
193

233
193

ASTM D1004

Shrinkage at 300C, %
MD
XD

1.8
0.0

1.1
0.0

0.7
0.0

0.6
0.1

0.3
0.0

0.3
0.1

0.2
0.1

0.0
0.0

0.0
0.0

0.0
0.0

0.0
0.0

Basic Weight, g/m2

Density, g/cc
Tensile Strength, N/cm
MD
XD
Elongation, %

Elmendorf Tear, N

1
2

Method D; 17 N/cm2
Data presented for Initial Tear Strength is listed in the direction of the sample per ASTM D1004.
The tear is 90 degrees to sample direction hence for papers with a higher reported MD ITR, the paper will be tougher to tear in the cross direction.
MD = machine direction of paper
XD = cross direction of paper

The dimensions of bone-dry Nomex paper Type

410 exposed to 95% relative humidity conditions
will increase at most 1% in the machine direction
and 2% in the cross direction (due to moisture
absorption). This swelling is largely reversible
when the paper is redried. The rate of change
in dimensions will depend, of course, on paper
thickness and configuration (for example, individual
sheets versus tightly wound rolls). Variations
in environmental humidity will usually produce
dimensional changes which will be less than 1%.
However, even small dimensional changes,
especially if they are non-uniform, can cause or
accentuate non-flatness (sag, puckers, etc.) in
the sheet, which can cause problems in critical
operations like laminating or creping. Therefore,
Nomex paper intended for these applications should
be kept sealed in its protective polyethylene wrapper,
to maintain uniform moisture content,
until just before use.

Figure 6. Effect of Moisture on Mechanical Propertis

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)
140
120
Tensile elongation (MD)

Percent of Bone-dry Value

The effects of moisture (humidity) on tensile

strength and elongation are shown in Figure 6.
Like elongation, the tear strength and toughness
of Nomex paper Type 410 are also improved
at higher moisture contents.

100
80
Tensile strength (MD)

60
40
20
0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Relative Humidity, %

70

80

90

100

110

ASTM D828

The thermal conductivity of Nomex paper Type 410

0.25 mm (10 mil) paper is shown in Figure 10. These
values are similar to those for cellulosic papers, and,
as with most materials, are primarily determined by
specific gravity (density). Therefore, thinner grades
of Nomex paper Type 410, will have slightly lower
conductivity, and thicker grades, will have higher
conductivities, as is seen in Table IV. The total system
construction may affect the overall thermal conductivity,
therefore, care should be taken in applying individual
sheet data to actual situations.
For example, two sheet insulations with identical
thermal conductivities may have quite different effects
on heat transfer from a coil, due to the differences in
stiffness or winding tension which affect the spacing
between the insulation layers.

Figure 8. Useful Life versus Temperature

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)
6

10

Aging Time, hr to 50% of Initial Strength

in Machine Direction

The effects of long-time exposure of Nomex paper

Type 410 0.25 mm (10 mil) to high temperature on
important electrical and mechanical properties are
shown in figures 7, 8 and 9. These Arrhenius plots
of aging behavior are the basis for the recognition of
Nomex paper as a 220C insulation by Underwriters
Laboratories, the U.S. Navy, and others, and are
confirmed by more than 40 years commercial
experience. These curves can also be extrapolated
to higher temperatures. Measurements show, for
example, that Nomex paper Type 410 will maintain 12
kV/mm (300 V/mil) dielectric strength for several hours
at 400C, which is the performance predicted by the
Arrhenius plot.

10

10

Log time =

7461 10.40
oC + 273

10

10

100

140

180

220

260

300

340

Temperature, C

10

10

Log time = 9851 14.97

oC + 273

10

10

10

100

140

180

220

260

300

Temperature, C

340

380

Test per UL746

Figure 10. Thermal Conductivity versus Temperature

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)

Figure 7. Useful Life versus Temperature

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)

260
6

240
220
Thermal Conductivity, mWatt/meter K)

Aging Time, hr to 12 kV/mm (300 V/mil)

Dielectric Strength

10

10

Log time = 8262 11.44

oC + 273

10

10

10

100

140

180
220
Temperature, C

260

300

340

380

ASTM D1830 (curved electrodes)

380

Tested per UL746

Figure 9. Useful Life versus Temperature

Nomex paper Type 4100.25 mm (10 mil)

Aging Time, hr to 50% of Initial Elongation

in Machine Direction

Thermal Properties

200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
50

100

150

200

Temperature, C

250

300
ASTM E1530

The compatibility of Nomex paper and pressboard

with virtually all classes of electrical varnishes and
adhesives (polyimides, silicones, epoxies, polyesters,
acrylics, phenolics, synthetic rubbers, etc.), as well
as other components of electrical equipment, is
demonstrated by the many UL-recognized systems
comprising Nomex as well as longstanding
commercial experience. Nomex papers are also fully
compatible (and in commercial use) with transformer
fluids (mineral and silicone oils and other synthetics)
and with lubricating oils and refrigerants used in
hermetic systems. Common industrial solvents
(alcohols, ketones, acetone, toluene, xylene) have a
slight softening and swelling effect on Nomex paper
Type 410, similar to that of water. These effects are
mainly reversible when the solvent is removed.
The Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of Nomex paper
Type 410 at room temperature ranges between 27
and 32% (depending on thickness and density), and
at 220C, from 22 to 25%. Materials with LOI above
20.8% (ambient air) will not support combustion.
Nomex paper Type 410 must be heated between
240C and 350C (again depending on thickness)
before its LOI declines below the flammability
threshold. The LOI data for Type 410 0.13 mm
(5 mil) is shown in Figure 11.
The effect of 6400 megarads (64 Mgy) of 2 MeV
beta radiation on the mechanical and electrical
properties of Nomex paper Type 410 is shown in
Table V. (By comparison, a laminate of polyester
film and polyester mat of the same thickness,
100% epoxy-impregnated, crumbled after 800
megarads, or 8 Mgy). Similar results were obtained
on exposure to gamma radiation. The outstanding
radiation resistance of Nomex paper has led to its
use in critical control equipment for nuclear power
installations.

Table IV Thermal Conductivity

Nominal Thickness (mil)
(mm)

2
0.05

3
0.08

5
0.13

7
0.18

10
0.25

15
0.38

20
0.51

30
0.76

Density, g/cc

0.72

0.81

0.88

0.95

0.96

1.02

1.06

1.08

103

114

123

143

139

149

157

175

Thermal Conductivity,
mWatt/meter K

All data taken at 150C

Figure 11. Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) Nomex paper Type 4100.13 mm (5 mil)
35

30
Limiting Oxygen Index, %

Chemical Stability

25

20

15
0

100

200

300

400

Temperature, C

ASTM D2863

Table V Radiation Resistance to 2 MEV Electrons (Beta Rays)

Nomex paper Type 410 0.25 mm (10 mil)
(Mgy) Dose

16

32

64

Tensile Strength1, % of original

MD
XD

100
100

96
100

100
99

100
99

94
97

87
86

81
81

65
69

Elongation1, % of original
MD
XD

100
100

89
92

92
91

96
88

76
82

60
47

36
27

18
16

Dielectric Strength2, kV/mm

34

34

33

33

33

34

35

31

Dielectric Constant3
60 Hz
1 kHz
10 kHz

3.1
3.0
2.9

3.0
3.0
2.9

3.0
2.9
2.9

3.0
3.0
2.9

3.0
2.9
2.8

3.1
3.1
3.0

2.3
2.3
2.2

2.5
2.5
2.4

Dielectric Factor3 (x 103)

60 Hz
1 kHz
10 kHz

8
13
18

14
16
21

10
15
20

12
16
20

9
13
19

14
16
20

7
11
15

10
13
17

ASTM D828
ASTM D149 with a 6.4 mm (1.4 inches) diameter electrode
3
ASTM D150
1
2

UL ratings
Table VI shows the UL ratings for the Type 410 papers. Descriptions of the numerical values for each of the UL ratings are detailed
in the DuPont brochure entitled The UL Yellow Card, available from DuPont.

Table VI UL Ratings
ASTM D374
Thickness
(mils)

ASTM D374
Thickness
(mm)

UL94
Flame
Class

UL746A
HWI
Rating

UL746A
HAI
Rating

UL746B
RTI
Electrical

UL746B
RTI
Mechanical

UL746A
HVTR
Rating

UL746A
CTI
Rating

0.05

220

220

0.08

220

220

0.13

V-O

220

220

0.18

V-O

220

220

10

0.25

V-O

220

220

12

0.30

V-O

220

220

15

0.38

V-O

220

220

20

0.51

V-O

220

220

24

0.61

V-O

220

220

29

0.74

V-O

220

220

30

0.76

V-O

220

220

To contact us about Nomex or for global product support, contact us in your region (listed below).
USA
DuPont Advanced Fibers Systems
Customer Inquiry Center
5401 Jefferson Davis Highway
Richmond, VA 23234
Tel: 800.931.3456
Fax: 800.787.7086
E-mail: [email protected]

EUROPE
DuPont International Operations Srl
P. O. Box 50
CH-1218 le Grand Saconnex
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41-22-717-5111
Fax: +41-22-717-6218
E-mail: [email protected]

CANADA
E. I. DuPont Canada Company
Advanced Fibers Systems
P. O. Box 2200
Streetsville Postal Station
Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 2H3
Canada
Tel: 8
 00.387.2122
905.821.5193
Fax: 905.821.5177
E-mail: [email protected]

SOUTH AMERICA
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Alameda Itapecuru, 506
Alphaville Barueri
So Paulo, Brasil
06454-080
Tel: +0800-17-17-15
+55 11 4166 8295
Fax: +55 11 4166 8904
E-mail: [email protected]

JAPAN
DuPont Teijin Advanced Papers (Japan) Limited
Sanno Park Tower
11-1, Nagata-cho 2-chome
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6111
Japan
Tel: +81-3-5521-2811
Fax: +81-3-5521-2825
E-mail: [email protected]

ASIA PACIFIC
DuPont Teijin Advanced Papers (Asia) Limited
26/F, Tower 6, The Gateway, 9 Canton Road
Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2734-5493
Fax: +852-2734-5486
E-mail: [email protected]

www.nomex.com
Product safety information is available upon request. This information corresponds to our current knowledge on the subject. It is offered solely to provide possible suggestions for
your own experimentation. It is not intended, however, to substitute for any testing you may need to conduct to determine for yourself the suitability of our products for your particular
purposes. This information may be subject to revision as new knowledge and experience become available. Since we cannot anticipate all variations in actual end-use conditions,
DuPont makes no warranties and assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with any use of this information. Nothing in this publication is to be
considered as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe upon any trademark or patent right.

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