• 1961 Polybenzimidazoles were developed by H. Vogel and C.S. Marvel with anticipation that the polymers would have exceptional thermal and oxidative stability.
• 1963 Subsequently, NASA and the Air Force Materials Lab sponsored considerable work with polybenimidazoles for aerospace and defense applications as a non-flammable and thermally stable textile fiber.
• 1967 NASA selects polybenzimidazole (PBI) for its superior thermal protective performance after a fire aboard an Apollo spacecraft killed three astronauts in 1967.
• 1970s NASA continues to use PBI as part of the astronauts' clothing on Apollo, Skylab and numerous space shuttle flights.
• 1978 PBI was introduced to the fire service, and through Project Fires an outer shell for turnout gear was developed. PBI Gold® fabric was born, consisting of 40% PBI/60% Para-aramid.
• 1983 A unique production plant goes on-line and PBI fiber and polymer become commercially available.
• Late 1980s - PBI staple fiber enters the aircraft market for seat fire blocking layers.
• 1990s - Short cut PBI fibers are introduced for use in automotive braking systems. Celazole U-Series parts are commercialized.1992 Lightweight PBI fabrics are developed for flame resistant workwear for electric utility and petrochemical applications. Celazole T-series products are developed and patented.
• 1994 PBI Gold fabric is engineered in black and was specified by FDNY.
• 2003 PBI Matrix® was commercialized and introduced as the next generation PBI for firefighter turnout gear.
• 2005 – PBI licences Victrex Plc to manufacture and market T-series products

Explore our web site and learn about what we make and how you may buy it. Use this site as a means to contact us for more information or to give us your comments and feedback.