PBO Fiber Blends: A Promise for the Future

Woven fabrics comprising polybenzoxazole (PBO) fibers blended with other selected fibers have been found to exhibit combinations of properties that, in some applications, may be superior to those of fabrics made from either PBO alone or the other materials alone. This finding is the result of an investigation of improved fabrics for potential use in space suits and in structures for protecting spacecraft against micrometeoroids. Potential terrestrial applications for the improved fabrics could include bulletproof vests, protective suits for firefighters, and lightweight armor for military equipment and personnel, as well as tethers for parachutes or aircraft.