Fabric

Polybenzimidazole Fabric

Polybenzimidazole Fabric

What is Polybenzimidazole Fabric? 

  • Polybenzimidazole fabric is a synthetic fabric that has a very high decomposition temperature.
  • It does not have a melting point, has remarkable thermal and chemical stability, and does not easily catch fire. 
  • Additionally, it does not quickly ignite. Carl Shipp Marvel, an American polymer chemist, was the one who made the first discovery of it. 
  • He was looking for novel materials that could maintain their stiffness and toughness even when heated to high temperatures. 
  • Due to its high level of stability, polybenzimidazole is used to make high-performance protective clothing. 
What is Polybenzimidazole Fabric?

History 

  • In 1949, Brinker and Robinson were the first researchers to describe aliphatic polybenzimidazoles. 
  • Nevertheless, the discovery of aromatic polybenzimidazole in the 1950s, which has outstanding physical and chemical characteristics, is often ascribed to Carl Shipp Marvel. 
  • Marvel was contacted by the Material Laboratory located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. They were seeking materials that could withstand short-term mechanical stress and would be acceptable for use in drogue parachutes. 
  • However, the heat resistance of any and all filaments that were known at the time was insufficient. 
  • While the first study relied on aromatic condensation polymers, Marvel's research focused on condensation polymers with aromatic and heteroaromatic repeating units. 
  • The amide linkage was found to be a weak link in the quest for maximum thermal stability of the polymer. 
  • This eventually led to the identification of polybenzimidazole as a useful compound.
History

What Makes it Stand Out 

Resistant

It is a highly chemical-resistant property.

Melting point

The fabric has no melting point and will not drip

Applications & Usage 

Clothing

Pants, shirts, underwear, etc.

Industrial application

Firefighter's protective apparel, protective gloves, welders' apparel, etc. 

Care Instructions 

  • Wash the fabric at normal temperature
  • Dry the fabric under sunlight or in a shade

 

Care Instructions
 

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