Polybenzimidazole (PBI) was used in a variety of applications for the U.S. space program, including flight suits and other protective clothing, webbings, straps, and tethers. Research in raw materials and process development continued, along with applications development, during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1983, commercial production of PBI fiber commenced. Today, PBI fiber has been used successfully in firefighters gear, industrial protective clothing, fire-blocking layers for aircraft seats, braided pump packings, and other high-performance products. Research has continued to develop other forms of PBI.
