New Composite Paper: Determination of Degree of Polymerization (DP) and End-of-Life Criteria

This paper presents the development of a “modified Degree of Polymerization test method” based on IEC 60450 for the DuPont™ Nomex® 910, engineered cellulose composite paper. In order to check how retained tensile strength corresponds to the DP value of 200 for the composite 910 paper, accelerated ageing tests of 910 and TUK were performed and DP vs tensile curves were obtained. Although the thermal insulation system test procedures allow the choice of either DP or percent tensile strength retention as the end-life criteria for cellulose-based papers, our data indicates that the traditional kraft DP of 200 is not a good indication for the composite 910 paper end-of-life criteria.