Comfort Properties of Polybenzimidazole Fiber

Abstract

Derivatized polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber is a unique material that offers a com bination of high performance and improved comfort properties. PBI has excellent thermal and chemical resistance and significantly reduced flame shrinkage; it also possesses good moisture and tactile properties which lead to improved wearer comfort when used in thermal protection clothing. A series of subjective wearer evaluations has shown that PBI exhibits comfort ratings equivalent to 100% cotton.