Polybenzimidazole fiber

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

polybenzimidazole

Identifiers

CAS Number  32075-68-6

ChemSpider  none

Properties

Chemical formula (C20H12N4)n

Molar mass Variable

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in

 their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Infobox references

Polybenzimidazole (PBI, short for poly[2,2’-(m-phenylen)-5,5’-bisbenzimidazole])

fiber is a synthetic fiber with a very high decomposition temperature. It does not exhibit
a melting point, it has exceptional thermal and chemical stability, and it does not readily
ignite.[1] It was first discovered by American polymer chemist Carl Shipp Marvel in the
pursuit of new materials with superior stability, retention of stiffness, and toughness at
elevated temperature. Due to its high stability, polybenzimidazole is used to fabricate
high-performance protective apparel such as firefighter's gear, astronaut space suits,
high temperature protective gloves, welders’ apparel and aircraft wall fabrics.
Polybenzimidazole has been applied as a membrane in fuel cells.
History[edit]
Discovery[edit]
Brinker and Robinson first reported aliphatic polybenzimidazoles in 1949.[2] However the
discovery of aromatic polybenzimidazole, which shows excellent physical and chemical
properties, was generally credited to Carl Shipp Marvel in the 1950s.[3] The Material
Laboratory of Wright Patterson Air Force Base approached Marvel. They were looking
for materials suitable for drogue parachutes which could tolerate short-time mechanical
stress. However, the thermal resistance of all known filaments at that time was
inadequate. The original search concentrated on aromatic condensation polymers but
the amide linkage proved to be weak link for the aim of maximal thermal stability of the
polymer, whereas Marvel's research focused on condensation polymers with aromatic
and heteroaromatic repeating units. This progressively led to the discovery of
polybenzimidazole.
Development[edit]

Replica Apollo spacesuit, Chemical Heritage

Foundation temporary exhibit, 2014
Its development history can be summarized in the following list:[4]

 In 1961, polybenzimidazole was developed by H. Vogel and C.S. Marvel with

anticipation that the polymers would have exceptional thermal and oxidative
stability.[5]
 Subsequently, in 1963, NASA and the Air Force Materials Lab sponsored
considerable work with polybenimidazole for aerospace and defense
applications as a non-flammable and thermally stable textile fiber.[5]
 In 1969, the United States Air Force selected polybenzimidazole (PBI) for its
superior thermal protective performance after a 1967 fire aboard the Apollo
1 spacecraft killed three astronauts.[5]
 In the early 1970s USAF laboratories experimented with polybenzimidazole
fibers for protective clothing to reduce aircrew deaths from fires.[6]
 In the 1970s, NASA continued to use PBI as part of the astronauts’ clothing
on Apollo, Skylab and numerous space shuttle flights.
 When Skylab fell to Earth, the part that survived the re-entry was coated in
PBI and thus did not burn up.
 1980s – PBI was introduced to the fire service,[which?] and through Project Fires
an outer shell for turnout gear was developed. PBI Gold fabric was born,
consisting of 40% PBI/60% para-aramid. Previous to this, combinations of
Nomex, leather, and Kevlar materials were used in the US.
 1983 – A unique production plant goes on-line and PBI fibers become
commercially available.
 1990s – Short-cut PBI fibers are introduced for use in automotive braking
systems. PBI staple fiber enters the aircraft market for seat fire blocking
layers.
 1992 – Lightweight PBI fabrics are developed for flame-resistant workwear
for electric utility and petrochemical applications.
 1994 – PBI Gold fabric is engineered in black and was specified by
the FDNY.
 2001 – After the terrorist attacks on September 11, many of the 343 fire
fighters killed were only identifiable by their TenCate PBI Turnout Gear.
 2003 – PBI Matrix was commercialized and introduced as the next-generation
PBI for firefighter turnout gear.