Nomex Fiber

These fibers are from the Cargille Standard Fiber Set. This is identified as "Nomex T-8 18". The fibers are ovaloid in cross-section as can be seen by the broad, uniform central retardation colors shown by many of the fibers. The flattened fibers are about seven micrometers thick and are showing third and forth order colors.

Transmitted Crossed Circular Polarized Light

Definition/Function:

Nomex is an meta-Aramid fiber. It is known for its high temperature stability and is used as a heat-protection clothing fiber.

Significance in the Environment:

Characteristic Features:

Nomex has refractive indices o about 1.67 perpendicular and 1.89 parallel, giving a birefringence of 0.22. Only Kevlar has a higher birefringence among the synthetic fibers.

Associated Particles:

References:

Gorski, Azriel and Walter C. McCrone, "Birefringence of fibers", THE MICROSCOPE, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 3-16

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomex