Polybenzimidazole (PBI) Market Size, Share, Growth, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Polybenzimidazole (PBI) Market is segmented By Type (Filament, Staple Fiber, Chopped) By Application (Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, Petrochemical, Textile, Semiconductors, Others) and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Polybenzimidazole Market Size

The Global Polybenzimidazole (PBI) Market reached US$ 75.3 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 136.2 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The market is expanding rapidly due to rising demand for lightweight materials and increased demand for safety and security. The appealing textile and tactile performance of these fibres in compared to other synthetic fibres drives market expansion. PBI is one of the best engineering polymers available, with the greatest heat resistance and service temperature for any empty thermoplastic.

PBI is exceptionally heat stable and chemically resistant to a variety of substances, comprising chlorinated solvents, sulfuric acid and mild acids & bases. It decomposes at temperatures more than 500°C. At 264 pressure, it has an extremely high glass transition temperature of around 425°C, no melting point and a heat deflection temperature of approximately 435°C. 

North America is expected to be the second-dominant region in the global PBI market covering about 1/4th of the market in 2022. The region is expected to see grow positively due to rising defence expenditure in North America. In U.S. Stringent regulations pertaining to the safety and security measures of workers in various industries like HSE, ANSI and state bodies, have been driving the demand for PBI protective clothing.

Polybenzimidazole Market Scope

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Polybenzimidazole Market Dynamics

Increasing Technological Advancements

Technological advances result in more efficient and cost-effective PBI manufacturing processes. Innovations in synthesis and production processes can lead to improved yields, lower production costs and an increase in overall PBI supply. Polymer molecular structure may now be precisely controlled using advanced technology. It enables PBI to be customised for individual applications, answering the distinct needs and requirements of industries such as aerospace, automotive and industrial manufacturing. 

PBI blends and composites with other materials can be developed by researchers and producers to generate hybrid materials with improved qualities. It broadens the variety of PBI applications and opens up new markets. In the PBI industry, the adoption of digital technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0) optimises production processes, improves efficiency and improves overall product quality.

High Temperature Resistance of PBI

PBI has exceptional thermal stability, retaining structural integrity and mechanical qualities at temperatures well exceeding what most other polymers can sustain. Even after extended exposure to high temperatures, it keeps its strength, toughness and dimensional stability. The demand for PBI fibre from the manufacture of protective apparel like protective gloves, astronaut space suits, welders' apparel and fire fighter suits are the major factors driving the market. 

The market is being driven a rise in demand for safety gear, mainly in the aerospace & defence industries and the demand for PBI fiber-based space suits, having properties like a low melting point, inflammability, high strength & resistance to mildew, abrasion and chemicals. CELAZOLE has good mechanical properties at high temperatures, making it ideal for usage in aviation engines and other high-temperature applications. The incredible lightweight material holds 100% tensile strength after thirty days in hydraulic fluid at 200°F.

High Costs and Availability of Alternatives

PBI is well-known for its high-performance features, including as thermal stability and flame resistance, but its manufacture entails complicated and expensive techniques. The high cost of manufacture can be a substantial barrier to widespread adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive applications. Because of its complicated chemical structure, customising PBI for individual purposes might be difficult. PBI customisation to match individual customer requirements necessitates substantial R&D work, which raises its costs.

PBI and its unique qualities may be underappreciated in particular businesses or localities. It is critical for market expansion to raise awareness and educate potential end-users about the benefits of PBI. While PBI has unique features, there are other materials available for a variety of uses. The availability of replacements with identical or similar performance qualities can be a constraint, especially in markets where cost is an important element.

Polybenzimidazole Market Segment Analysis

The global polybenzimidazole (PBI) market is segmented based type, application and region.

High Resistance of PBI Drives its Demand in Textile

Coatings is expected to drive the market by holding a share of about 1/3rd of the global market in 2022. PBI fibre is in high demand in the textile sector because it retains its strength even when exposed to extraordinarily high temperatures. PBI's improved thermal stability increases its demand in high-performance protective garments such as protective gloves, firefighting gear, welders' clothing, astronaut space suits and aircraft wall materials.

As a result, industry firms like Celanese Corporation, in partnership with NASA, have developed PBI textiles for use in space suits and vehicles. Polybenzimidazole fibres are currently being used in the membrane of fuel cells. 100% pure or blended PBI fibres are used in civil engineering for applications like plastic reinforcements.

Polybenzimidazole Market Geographical Share

Rapid Expansion of Aerospace and Defense in Asia-Pacific

During the forecast period, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global polybenzimidazole (PBI) market covering more than 1/3rd of the market. To improve commerce and security, rising nations are focusing on strengthening their aerospace & defence sectors. Along with this, increased government infrastructure modernization activities are paving the way for highly durable thermoplastics with strong heat resistance capabilities, such as PBI. 

Boeing estimates that China will demand 7,600 new commercial aircraft worth US$ 1.2 trillion in the next two decades. The Chinese aviation sector has grown significantly throughout the years. With the assistance of the 'Made in China 2025' strategy for improving current low-cost mass production to greater value-added advanced manufacturing, the country's output is expected to rise. 

Polybenzimidazole Market Key Players

The major global players in the market include PBI Performance Products Inc., Mitsubishi Chemicals, Goodfellow, Celanese Corporation, Solvay SA, Polymics, Ltd., Bally Ribbon Mills, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Sarla Performance Fibers Limited and SRO Group.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Lockdowns, limitations and personnel concerns impacted manufacturing operations, particularly those involved in the production of PBI and its raw materials. During the pandemic, demand for some items and chemicals, particularly PBI, fluctuated. The pandemic caused interruptions in global supply chains due to transportation and logistics issues.

Industries where PBI is extensively utilized, such as aerospace, automotive and industrial applications, have experienced interruptions, affecting demand patterns. Different industries were impacted in different ways. For example, the aviation and automobile industries, which rely on PBI for its high-temperature resilience, saw lower demand as a result of travel restrictions, reduced production and economic uncertainty. During the epidemic, economic uncertainty and a shift in priorities could have influenced R&D funds and timeframes.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact 

The conflict disrupts supply chains by influencing raw materials and completed commodities transportation. When crucial components or raw materials for PBI production are supplied from conflict-affected locations, supply shortages will result. Price volatility in global markets is caused by uncertainties and disruptions in the geopolitical landscape. Chemical prices, especially PBI, can be influenced by currency fluctuations, changes in demand-supply dynamics and geopolitical risk premiums.

Chemical companies may rethink their supply chain strategies and seek diversification to avoid geopolitical concerns. It could entail locating alternate raw material sources or locating production facilities in less geopolitically dangerous places. Companies are concentrating their efforts on developing solutions that improve supply chain resilience or lessen geopolitical risks.

Key Developments

• In August 2022, PBI Performance Products Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The InterTech Group Inc., has announced numerous organizational changes to its senior management team that will take effect immediately. The modifications are intended to capitalize on the fiber manufacturer's strong global development potential.
• In May 2022, PBI Performance Products Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The InterTech Group Inc., has added PBI LP, a proprietary lightweight fiber that improves comfort, breathability and freedom of movement for future structural firefighting gear, to its product range. Even though the unique PBI LPTM is lighter, it nevertheless improves heat and flame resistance and break open resistance without sacrificing performance.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global polybenzimidazole (PBI) market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of polybenzimidazole (PBI) market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global polybenzimidazole (PBI) market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 50 figures and 181 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies