PBI Fiber - POLYBENZIMIDAZOLE
First U.S. Commercial PBI Fiber Production: 1983, Celanese Corporation
Current U.S. PBI Fiber Producers: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
Federal Trade Commission Definition for PBI Fiber: A manufactured fiber in which the fiberforming substance is a long-chain aromatic polymer having recurring imidazole groups as an integral part of the polymer chain. (Complete FTC Fiber Rules here.)
Basic Principles of PBI Fiber Production — PBI is prepared from tetra-aminobiphenyl and diphenyl isophthalate spun via a dry spinning process using dimethyl acetamide as the solvent.
PBI Fiber Characteristics
No melting point
Will not ignite
Retains fiber integrity and suppleness upon flame exposure
High char yield
Dyeable to dark shades with basic dyes following caustic pretreatment
Mildew and age resistant
Abrasion resistant
Major PBI Fiber Uses — PBI is suitable for high-performance protective apparel such as firemen's turnout coats and astronaut space suits and in applications where fire resistance is important.