Polybenzimidazole Fiber Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2021 to 2029

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber is defined as the synthetic textile fiber which possess high chemical resistance and is inflammable in air. PBI fiber does not exhibit any melting point and therefore does not drip when exposed to flame and even at temperatures of 560˚C. In the textile industry PBI fiber is witnessing strong demand as they retain their strength without infringement even when exposed to extreme higher temperatures. In any case, under outrageous conditions, the fiber emanates little smoke. Additionally, the better thermal stability of polybenzimidazole enhances its demand in high-performance protective apparel such as protective gloves, firefighter’s gear, welders’ apparel, astronaut space suits, and aircraft wall fabrics. Therefore, industry players such as Celanese Corporation in collaboration with NASA have designed PBI textiles for its utilization in space suits and vehicles. Currently, polybenzimidazole fibers are also witnessing its application in membrane of fuel cells. In civil engineering, 100% pure or blended PBI fibers are deployed for applications such as plastic reinforcements.

The market is witnessing significant growth owing to its surging demand for the production of light weight and enhanced demand for safety and security. Moreover, the attractive textile and tactile performance exhibited by these fibers in comparison with other synthetic fiber also surges the market growth. However, high costs associated with the production of PBI fibers deter market to an extent.

On the basis of type, the market is categorized into PBI filament and PBI staple fiber. On the basis of application, the market is further categorized into aerospace and defense, chemical, medical, automobiles, textiles and others (Industrial uses and energy). Polybenzimidazole Fiber market is further categorized on the basis of geography as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America (LATAM) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). In 2020, North America, dominated the market growth and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecasted period due to massive demand for PBI fibers from end-use industries such as automotive and aerospace. Additionally, the high liquid oxygen index along with its high chemical resistance and moisture regain properties make PBI an ideal fiber for fire blocking purposes such as safety and flame retardant fabrics. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at a rapid pace as this region being the largest consumers of high performance fibers owing to rising end-user base in this region. Furthermore, growing inclination of leading manufacturers from U.S. and Europe over Asia-Pacific region in order to expand their business is another factor bolstering the market growth.

Some of the key players operating in the market include Atkins & Pearce, Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), TenCate Protective Fabrics, PBI Performance Products, Dupont, Celanese Corporation and other notable players.

On the basis of its type, the global Polybenzimidazole fiber market is categorized into following segments:

• Filament
• Staple Fiber
• Chopped

Polybenzimidazole filaments exhibit major potential for market growth during the forecast period. PBI filaments are continuous long filaments which are also extruded continuously into bundles. PBI filaments are used in the formation of protective apparels such as astronauts’ suits and firefighters gear. The thermal stability, flame retardancy, and moisture regaining characteristics of PBI eases it’s processing on conventional staple fiber textile equipment. Developing textile manufacturing industry is also surging the market demand. The high tenacity and modulus of PBI filaments is also increasing its other industrial applications such as in conveyor belts, hot gas filtration media and aircraft fragments.

Staple fibers holds the nominal share during the forecast period. Staple fiber are long filaments cut into definite lengths and are majorly spun into yarn. Developed in 1990’s these fibers are being used in automotive braking systems and in seat layers of aircraft for blocking fire expansion. Consumers are widely adopting garments made of staple fibers owing to its delicacy and light weightness. The availability of sustainable fire retarding apparels in multiple stylish designs, bright colors, along with attractive prints is also driving the market demand.

On the basis of its applications, the global Polybenzimidazole fiber market is categorized into following segments:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Chemical
• Medical
• Automobiles
• Textiles
• Others (Industrial Uses and Energy)

In 2020, aerospace and defense application dominated the market and is projected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This is majorly due to the superior non-flammability characteristics exhibited by polybenzimidazole fiber which enhances its application in the form of fire resistant coating in aircrafts. Currently, PBI fibers are witnessing demand in drogue parachutes of military aircrafts as they handle short term mechanical stress and also provide protection against heat shields. There is a recent trend of transforming PBI into films so as to enhance its tensile strength, machinable insulation features that are heavily demanded amongst aerospace and defense industry. Additionally, these fibers exhibit better adhesion in the form of films when casted from solution onto glass plates. This feature has resulted in stimulating the use of PBI fibers in glass composites, laminates and wound structures.

Textile industry is projected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period. PBI fibers are heavily utilized as an alternative to asbestos in fabrics requiring high temperature resistance. Applications of PBI fibers include sock hoods, race car driver uniforms and flight suits. Recently, during Apollo program NASA in association with Celanese Corporation initiated the use of PBI fiber in cabin crew clothing and sleeping bags. These fibers are being used as an alternative to cotton fibers which has also aided in effectively eliminate the tedious job of coating cotton with flame retardant products. This acts as the significant factor for the development of PBI multifilament yarns to be used in multiple space missions.

Based on geographical distribution, the global polybenzimidazole fiber market is segmented into following categories:

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Europe
• Germany
• Spain
• France
• UK
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
• GCC
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

North America dominated the market in 2020 and is expected to maintain its dominance in the years to come. This growth is mainly attributed to presence of established aerospace and automotive sectors in this region. Huge demand of polybenzimidazole fiber from defense and military sector is another major factor for market growth in this region. Development of wind energy sector coupled with rapid emergence of solar power worldwide opens up lucrative opportunities for market growth. This is majorly due to growing use of PBI fiber in solar cells and wind blades. Growing demand of PBI fibers in manufacturing wind turbines has also contributed to the market growth. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing market owing to rising demand for high performance fiber from aerospace, textiles, electronics industry and automotive industries. Surging demand for high performance fibers in countries such as Japan, Singapore, China, Indonesia and India among Asia-Pacific region exhibit a prominent factor for the market growth. In order to meet this growing demand for PBI fibers, multiple industry players from the U.S. and Europe are turning their attention towards the Asia-Pacific region to expand their businesses.


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