Home

Just how strong is PBO aramid blended fabric?

Jul 01,2025

PBO and Aramid Blend Fabric

PBO (poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole fiber) and aramid (aromatic polyamide fiber) blend fabrics combine the advantages of two high-performance materials, possessing unique physical and chemical properties.

PBO Fiber

POB fiber is short for poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole fiber, a reinforcing material for composites developed in the 1980s by the United States for the development of aerospace technology. It is a promising member of the polyamide family containing heterocyclic aromatics.

Aramid Fiber

Aramid fiber is an aromatic polyamide fiber, mainly divided into two types:

Para-aramid (such as Kevlar, Twaron): The molecular chain has a rigid linear structure, with high strength and modulus.

Meta-aramid (such as Nomex): The molecular chain has a curved structure, good heat resistance but lower strength.

Characteristics of the blended fabric

Ultra-high strength and modulus

The strength of PBO fiber is more than 10 times that of steel wire (single-fiber strength up to 5.8 GPa), and the modulus can reach 180 GPa, far exceeding the strength of aramid (about 3 times that of steel wire) and modulus (120 GPa/g/cm³). After blending, the fabric has both high strength and high modulus characteristics, suitable for scenarios requiring impact resistance and tensile resistance.

Aramid has a higher breaking elongation (about 3%~4%), while PBO fiber has a lower elongation (about 2.5%~3.5%). Blending can balance the flexibility and rigidity of the material.

Powerful high-temperature performance

The degradation temperature of PBO fiber is as high as 650℃, and it can be used for a long time below 600℃, while the upper temperature limit of aramid is 200~300℃ (para-aramid retains 65% strength at 260℃). After blending, the thermal stability of the material is significantly improved, suitable for extreme high-temperature environments.

Chemical corrosion resistance and environmental resistance

Aramid has good resistance to acids, alkalis, and weak organic solvents, but is easily corroded by strong solvents; PBO fiber has better chemical stability, but is sensitive to ultraviolet light. Blending can complement weaknesses, such as improving PBO's UV resistance through aramid, or enhancing overall chemical resistance through PBO.

Lightweight and low density

The density of both fibers is lower than that of traditional metal materials (PBO is 1.54~1.56 g/cm³, aramid is about 1.44 g/cm³). The blended fabric has outstanding advantages in lightweight design, especially suitable for aerospace and protective equipment.

Flame retardancy and self-extinguishing properties

The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PBO fiber is 68, it does not burn or shrink in flames; the LOI of aramid is about 28~30, and it has self-extinguishing properties. After blending, the flame retardant performance is further improved, suitable for fire fighting and high-temperature operation protection.

[The above data comes from the internet and the laboratory]

Main application areas

Protective equipment

Bulletproof vests and helmets The high strength of PBO and the impact resistance of aramid can be combined to produce lightweight, high-protection level bulletproof equipment. For example, soft bulletproof vests made of blended warp-knitted fabric and polyethylene film composite have a 40% increase in bulletproof effectiveness compared to single materials.

Firefighting suits and heat-resistant clothing The ability of the blended fabric to withstand high temperatures and flames is suitable for firefighter clothing, welding protective clothing, etc., while maintaining wearing comfort.

Aerospace and defense

Used in aircraft fuselages, rocket engine casings, and other structural components to reduce weight and enhance high-temperature resistance. PBO fiber can also replace asbestos or ceramic fibers, used in heat-resistant seals or sounding balloon materials.

Industry and transportation

Tire reinforcing material Blended fibers replace traditional steel cord, reducing tire weight and improving wear resistance, while improving vehicle fuel efficiency and comfort.

Pipes and cables Used in high-pressure hoses or deep-sea cables in the petroleum and chemical industries, corrosion-resistant and fatigue-resistant.

Sporting goods and electronic equipment

Used in high-end sports equipment (such as racing boat sails, tennis rackets) to improve strength and durability; in the electronics field, blended materials can be used to make lightweight electromagnetic shielding or high-temperature circuit boards.

Applications of meta-aramid

Taking chestnuts out of the fire? This material can withstand temperatures of 280℃!

Environmental characteristics of basalt fiber: A revolutionary breakthrough in green materials

Jul 02,2025