Celazole® (PBI)
Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is an amorphous condensation polyimide with extreme temperature resistance that has been launched on the market under the name Celazole®.
PBI can withstand temperatures of over 500°C for a short time. In an oxygen-rich atmosphere, however, thermal oxidative decomposition begins above 300°C, so that it can only be permanently exposed to even higher temperatures in the absence of oxygen. Due to its molecular structure, PBI does not become melt-flowable, i.e. plastic, even after exceeding the glass transition temperature.
Celazole® has exceptionally good mechanical properties over the entire temperature range. It exhibits high mechanical strength and very good wear resistance in dynamic applications. Celazole® also has excellent resistance to plasma and radiation. A disadvantage, however, is the high moisture absorption of up to 14%.
Due to the relatively high costs and the difficulty of processing, the use of Celazole® only makes sense in applications where the extraordinary temperature resistance of the material is particularly important. Due to the limited range of applications, only an unfilled standard Celazole® grade is available.