PBI® is an organic fiber, originally developed for the NASA Apollo space program because of its inherent flame resistance properties and chemical stability. The PBI fiber is widely used in premium outer shell products for firefighter suits, industrial heat and arc flash protection and is also used in gloves and hoods for firefighters. PBI fabrics are the first line of defense on the fire ground. They are renowned for their unique combination of flame resistance, durability and comfort, which is why they are first choice in protection for the most extreme conditions.
PBI offers a wide range of fabrics that meet the needs of every situation and work effectively as an integral part of the protective garment. Each fabric has different properties and applications, but every PBI fabric provides the required protection from heat and flame that an outer fabric must deliver. All PBI fabrics deliver excellent tensile strength and will not become brittle, shrink or break open when exposed to flame and high temperatures. This means that the integrity of the internal layers of the garment is protected and the transfer of any radiant heat is slower, allowing more time for firefighters to escape to safety in a situation such as a flashover. X55 is a PBI fabric that combines high mechanical strength with all of the proven benefits of PBI fiber to deliver excellent tensile strength and tear resistance. The fabric is long lasting and maintains its good looks after repeated washing. PBI LP™ fiber is used to create fabrics that are 10% lighter than other outer fabrics in structural firefighting without compromising protection from heat and flame. PBI Triguard® is a lightweight fabric that offers high levels of flame, heat and arc flash resistance and is the standard in providing value and performance in the petrochemical, gas and electricity industries.