VOL. 10 - Red Kap Work Clothes, Uniforms, & Coveralls
VOL. 10 - Red Kap Work Clothes, Uniforms, & Coveralls
VOL. 10 - Red Kap Work Clothes, Uniforms, & Coveralls
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PBI<br />
PBI is a synthetic polybenzimidazole fiber made by PBI<br />
Performance Products Inc., which may be used alone<br />
or in blends. PBI Gold ® is a 60% KEVLAR® aramid/40%<br />
PBI blend fabric offered by PGI DIFCO and TenCate<br />
SouthernMills for career apparel applications. PBI<br />
TriGuard is a blend of 20% PBI, 30% LENZING FR ® and<br />
50% Micro Twaron ® .<br />
Although there has been some market interest in PBI<br />
TriGuard, this review will focus on PBI Gold®.<br />
Applications<br />
PBI Gold® is used in turnout gear for professional fire fighters<br />
and other career apparel.<br />
Not Recommended For<br />
Critical static control applications.<br />
Flame Resistance<br />
PBI Gold® is inherently flame-resistant and this property<br />
cannot be degraded by laundering.<br />
Colors<br />
PBI Gold® is gold in color. It is dyeable in dark shades only.<br />
Effect of Acids and Alkalis<br />
PBI fiber has excellent resistance to most acids and alkalis.<br />
Effect of Bleaches and Solvents<br />
PBI has excellent resistance to solvents. PBI Gold® loses<br />
strength when exposed to chlorine bleach. PBI Gold® does<br />
not provide personal chemical protection to the wearer.<br />
Where chemical exposure is a hazard, appropriate<br />
specialized barrier garments should be selected.<br />
Effect of Mildew, Aging, Sunlight<br />
and Abrasion<br />
PBI has good resistance to mildew and aging. Prolonged<br />
exposure to sunlight will cause darkening and loss of tensile<br />
strength. PBI fiber has fair abrasion resistance, but the<br />
PBI Gold® blend has very good abrasion resistance.<br />
Thermal Stability<br />
PBI Gold® will not ignite and does not melt. PBI has excellent<br />
thermal stability and retains fiber integrity and suppleness<br />
after flame exposure. Molten substance contact with<br />
PBI Gold® will cause pinholing in the fabric.<br />
Moisture Regain/Static Control<br />
Moisture regain of PBI fiber is excellent and actually exceeds<br />
that of cotton and rayon. Moisture regain of PBI Gold®<br />
is about equal to NOMEX® and other synthetic fabrics.<br />
Average stiffness is very low, yielding a good hand and<br />
drape. PBI is by far the most natural feeling synthetic fabric.<br />
Without proper wearer grounding, PBI Gold® should not be<br />
considered for use in critical static control applications. It<br />
is especially important that garments containing PBI ®<br />
fibers not be donned or removed in a hazardous area.<br />
Processing<br />
Flame-resistant apparel should be washed using soft water<br />
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