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. 

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.

What Makes it Stand Out 

Applications & Usage 

Care Instructions 

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