Nomex vs PBO (Zylon)
Composite · grade comparison
Nomex and PBO (Zylon) are both composite grades. PBO (Zylon) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 5,800 MPa (841 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for Nomex, about 64 times as much. In exchange, Nomex is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 3.5% for PBO (Zylon). Nomex is lighter (1.1 g/cm³ vs 1.54 g/cm³ for PBO (Zylon)) and PBO (Zylon) is stiffer (180 GPa vs 2.5 GPa). On the shop floor, Nomex machines more easily (fair vs poor).
NomexChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PBO (Zylon)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Nomex vs PBO (Zylon): propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Tear Strength
Compressive Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,200 J/kg·K0.29 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 70 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | Nomex | PBO (Zylon) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Nomex vs PBO (Zylon) — frequently asked
Is PBO (Zylon) stronger than Nomex?
Yes. PBO (Zylon) has a typical tensile strength of 5,800 MPa (841 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for Nomex — about 64 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Nomex or PBO (Zylon)?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Nomex or PBO (Zylon)?
Nomex. Its machinability rates fair (50/100) against poor (15/100) for PBO (Zylon).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Nomex and PBO (Zylon) side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.