Development of Thermally Stable Polybenzimidazole (PBI) Fiber

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD0748248 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Textiles composed of polybenzimidazole PBI fibers combine superior qualities of non-flammability and comfort with functional utility. A further improvement desired in the qualities of PBI fabric is reduction of its tendency to shrink when exposed to flame and high temperature. The work reported was undertaken to develop a treatment for PBI which stabilizes it with respect to thermal shrinkage. Chemical treatment of PBI fiber or fabric which introduces chemical bonds between the basic polymer chains of PBI was found to stabilize PBI against thermal shrinkage. Among such treating agents examined a treatment involving immersion of PBI in a liquid mixture of 5 chlorosulfonic acid in phosphorous oxychloride followed by heating and neutralization was found to be satisfactory. Fabric so treated is resistant to thermal shrinkage yet unchanged in strength and nonflammability. The treatment is stable to laundering. A pilot processing line for treating PBI tow was constructed and is discussed.

Author(s):
Sidman, Kenneth R. ; Gregory, John B.
Author Organization(s):
DYNATECH R/D CO CAMBRIDGE MA
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 8 Jun 1970-16 Nov 1971
Pagination:
0084

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
DYNATECH-1022, ASD-TR-72-50
Contract/Grant Number(s):
F33657-70-C-1156
Monitor Series:
TR-72-50, ASD
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_8.2.4_Leverage Capacities and Capabilities of Security Establishments; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance
Communities of Interest:
No COI(s) Identified
Descriptor(s):
*HEAT RESISTANT PLASTICS, *BENZIMIDAZOLES, *FIRE RESISTANT TEXTILES, PRODUCTION, TENSILE PROPERTIES, THERMAL STABILITY, PILOT PLANTS, ADDITIVES, CROSSLINKING(CHEMISTRY), THERMAL EXPANSION
Field(s)/Group(s):
Textiles, Protective Equipment
Keyword(s):
*POLYBENZIMIDAZOLE FIBERS, PBI POLYMERS, PHOSPHORUS(V) OXYCHLORIDE, SULFONIC ACID CHLORO
Report Date:
1971 Nov 01