PBO fiber, short for Poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole), is a next-generation high-performance organic fiber. Known for its exceptional tensile strength, modulus, heat resistance, and chemical stability, PBO is considered one of the strongest organic fibers available today. It outperforms aramid fibers (such as Kevlar or Twaron) and is widely used in aerospace, defense, electronics, industrial parts, and personal protection equipment.
Key Properties
Ultra-High Strength and Stiffness
Tensile Strength: up to 5.8 GPa
Elastic Modulus: 160–280 GPa
Withstands over 450kg of load per 1mm fiber
Superior Heat Resistance
Decomposition temperature: approx. 650°C
Non-melting, flame retardant
Excellent Electrical Insulation
Dielectric constant ≤ 3.5 (at 10 GHz)
Outstanding Chemical Resistance
Maintains structural integrity after 300+ hours in strong acid/alkaline conditions
Product Types & Applications
🔹 Product Range
PBO Filament
High-strength, high-modulus continuous fibers used for prepregs, composites, and fabricsPBO Short-cut Fiber
Used in cut-resistant rubbers and thermoplastic resinsPBO Staple Fiber
Suitable for technical textiles, fireproof clothing, or aluminum extrusion supportPBO Pulp
Ideal for high-performance seals, friction materials, heat-resistant papers
🔹 Application Areas
Industry Examples
| Aerospace | Radomes, engine housings, wave-proof sleeves, aircraft structures |
| Life Protection | Bulletproof vests, cut-resistant gloves, firefighting suits, armor plates |
| Industrial Components | High-temp cables, composite shafts, specialty ropes, electrical insulation |
| Consumer Goods | Racket frames, speaker housings, phone back covers, snowboards |
Processing & Molding Technology
🔸 PBO Forming Methods
Method Description
| Solution Spinning | PBO precursor is dissolved in strong acid and spun into fibers via nozzles |
| High-Temp Compression Molding | Molded at 400–600°C and high pressure to form composites |
| Film & Coating | Applied as thin films for insulation and protective coatings |
| 3D Printing | Research ongoing in powder or composite-based additive manufacturing |
Typical Binders
Phenolic Resin: Used in ballistic composites and prepregs
Polyimide: Matches PBO's high thermal stability for aerospace and electronics
Epoxy Resin: For impact-resistance and mechanical reinforcement in CFRP
Silicone / Polyurethane: For flexible textile applications and thermal environments
Composite Molding Processes
Prepreg Manufacturing Steps
Fiber Alignment → 2. Resin Impregnation → 3. Cooling & Rolling
Lay-up Process: Multiple prepreg layers arranged in optimal fiber orientation
Hot Press Molding: 150–300°C under 10–50 MPa pressure
Post-Processing & Inspection: CNC cutting, polishing, ballistic durability test
SMC vs BMC Process Comparison
Category SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) BMC (Bulk Molding Compound)
| Fiber Length | Long (10–50mm) | Short (3–12mm) |
| Molding | Press molding | Injection/press molding |
| Strength | High | Medium |
| Use Cases | Automotive body, ballistic panels | Electrical parts, precision components |
Key Properties
Ultra-High Strength and Stiffness
Tensile Strength: up to 5.8 GPa
Elastic Modulus: 160–280 GPa
Withstands over 450kg of load per 1mm fiber
Superior Heat Resistance
Decomposition temperature: approx. 650°C
Non-melting, flame retardant
Excellent Electrical Insulation
Dielectric constant ≤ 3.5 (at 10 GHz)
Outstanding Chemical Resistance
Maintains structural integrity after 300+ hours in strong acid/alkaline conditions
Product Types & Applications
🔹 Product Range
PBO Filament
High-strength, high-modulus continuous fibers used for prepregs, composites, and fabricsPBO Short-cut Fiber
Used in cut-resistant rubbers and thermoplastic resinsPBO Staple Fiber
Suitable for technical textiles, fireproof clothing, or aluminum extrusion supportPBO Pulp
Ideal for high-performance seals, friction materials, heat-resistant papers
🔹 Application Areas
Industry Examples
| Aerospace | Radomes, engine housings, wave-proof sleeves, aircraft structures |
| Life Protection | Bulletproof vests, cut-resistant gloves, firefighting suits, armor plates |
| Industrial Components | High-temp cables, composite shafts, specialty ropes, electrical insulation |
| Consumer Goods | Racket frames, speaker housings, phone back covers, snowboards |
Processing & Molding Technology
🔸 PBO Forming Methods
Method Description
| Solution Spinning | PBO precursor is dissolved in strong acid and spun into fibers via nozzles |
| High-Temp Compression Molding | Molded at 400–600°C and high pressure to form composites |
| Film & Coating | Applied as thin films for insulation and protective coatings |
| 3D Printing | Research ongoing in powder or composite-based additive manufacturing |
Typical Binders
Phenolic Resin: Used in ballistic composites and prepregs
Polyimide: Matches PBO's high thermal stability for aerospace and electronics
Epoxy Resin: For impact-resistance and mechanical reinforcement in CFRP
Silicone / Polyurethane: For flexible textile applications and thermal environments
Composite Molding Processes
Prepreg Manufacturing Steps
Fiber Alignment → 2. Resin Impregnation → 3. Cooling & Rolling
Lay-up Process: Multiple prepreg layers arranged in optimal fiber orientation
Hot Press Molding: 150–300°C under 10–50 MPa pressure
Post-Processing & Inspection: CNC cutting, polishing, ballistic durability test
SMC vs BMC Process Comparison
Category SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) BMC (Bulk Molding Compound)
| Fiber Length | Long (10–50mm) | Short (3–12mm) |
| Molding | Press molding | Injection/press molding |
| Strength | High | Medium |
| Use Cases | Automotive body, ballistic panels | Electrical parts, precision components |