PBI

PBI fiber characteristics

• continuous temperature: 1,000°F (540°C)
• melting temperature: 1,400°F (760°C)
• no melting point (in flame tests)
• will not ignite or smolder
• retains fiber integrity and suppleness up to 1,000°F
• low shrinkage and high strength retention when exposed to high temperature
• high char yield
• dyeable to dark shades with basic dyes following caustic pretreatment
• mildew and age resistant
• abrasion resistant
• low thermal conductivity
• resistant to most chemicals
• low electrical conductivity and low static electricity buildup
• resistant to sparks and welding spatter

Major Industrial PBI Fiber Uses

• high-performance protective apparel such as:
  • firefighter turnout coats and suits
  • astronaut space suits
  • high temperature protective gloves
  • welders' apparel
  • race car driver suits
• braided packings
• aircraft wall fabrics
• race car driver suits

Production

The Federal Trade Commission definition for PBI fiber is "A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long chain aromatic polymer having reoccurring imidazole groups as an integral part of the polymer chain."

PBI is prepared from tetra-aminobiphenyl and diphenyl isophthalate spun via a dry spinning process using dimethyl acetamide as the solvent.

First U.S. Commercial PBI Fiber Production: 1983, Celanese Corporation

Current U.S. PBI Fiber Producers: Celanese Corporation \r

See also

• Synthetic fibers
• Textile