Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is the only textile fiber, either commercial or developmental, which under normal conditions is nonflammable in air, emits little or no smoke, and produces virtually no toxic offgases up to a temperature of 560°C. PBI also has the textile processing properties of polyester, and garments made from PBI have a high level of comfort. PBI'has a useful temperature limit of about 560°C, which is about 200°C higher than commercial high-temperature organic fibers. PBI shrinks less than 10% between room temperature and 600°C. The key textile properties of PBI are discussed, as well as its high- temperature performance.
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