PBI Fiber

PBI Fiber - POLYBENZIMIDAZOLE

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

Current U.S. PBI Fiber Producers: Celanese Corporation

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.