PBI
Polybenzimidazole (PBI), a highly flame-retardant and highly heat-resistant material, was originally used to protect astronauts from flames and heat in the Apollo Program, NASA’s manned lunar exploration project. After succeeding in landing the first humans on the Moon, PBI began to be used for protecting firefighters from heat and flame. Today, PBI is used in various products including fire-resistant jackets, pants, hoods, gloves, and safety shoes, protecting firefighters all around the world.
FEATURES
HIGH FLAME RETARDANCE : According to the limiting oxygen index (the minimum percentage of
oxygen in a nitrogen-oxygen mixture that is required to maintain the combustion of a certain substance.
A higher limiting oxygen index indicates stronger flame retardance), which is the indicator of flame retardancy,
PBI has a much greater heat resistance than other flame-retardant materials.
HIGH HEAT RESISTAMCE : One of the characteristics of PBI is that it does not become brittle easily
even when it is exposed to a high temperature.
Fabric made of PBI fiber retains its form even in extreme situations,
providing complete protection for firefighters.
PERFORMANCE
MANIKIN BURN TEST
Firefighter PPE with PBI outer shell have greater protective performance when exposed to flash flame.
The same law applies to fire-resistant gloves and hoods.
DYNAMIC FLAME TEST
When they face a catastrophic event such as flash over or backdraft, firefighters will try to escape the site using the utmost power.
PBI provides maximum protection for firefighters even when the protective clothing are exposed to flame while under tension.
PBI AND SUMMIT CORPORATION
Summit Corp. is an official partner of PBI performance products, Inc.
The two companies are working together to supply protective equipment that provides the best performance for firefighters.
