Celazole / PBI (Polybenzimidazole)

Celazole PBI is a high performance imidized thermoplastic. Chemically, Celazole PBI is PolyBenzImidazole. Celazole PBI is the highest performing engineering plastic currently available. It offers the highest heat resistance (it does not melt) and mechanical property retention over 400°F (205°C) of any unfilled plastic. It has better wear resistance and load carrying capabilities at extreme temperatures than any other reinforced or unreinforced engineering plastic.

Celazole also is an excellent thermal insulator. Other plastics in melt do not stick to Celazole. These characteristics make Celazole ideal for contact seals and insulator bushings in plastic production and molding equipment.

As an unreinforced material, Celazole PBI is very clean in terms of ionic impurity and it does not outgas (except water). These characteristics make this material very attractive to semiconductor manufacturers for vacuum chamber applications. Celazole PBI has excellent ultrasonic transparency which makes it an ideal choice for parts such as probe tip lenses in ultrasonic measuring equipment.

Celazole PBI is also an excellent thermal insulator. Other plastics in melt do not stick to PBI. These characteristics make it ideal for contact seals and insulator bushings in plastic production and molding equipment.

Highest mechanical properties of any plastic above 400°F (204°C), Highest heat deflection temperature 800°F (427°C), with a continuous service capability of 750°F (399°C) in inert environments, or 650°F (343°C) in air with short term exposure potential to 1,000°F (538°C), Lowest coefficient of thermal expansion and highest compressive strength of all unfilled plastics.

Celazole polybenzimidazole (PBI) resin is a unique and highly stable linear hetrocyclic polymer. PBI is characterized by high strength; excellent thermal stability, and broad chemical resistance. Celazole T-Series products combine the superior mechanical properties and thermal resistance of PBI with the melt process ability of polyaryletherketones.

APPLICATIONS

Wafer retaining rings for gas plasma etching, Vacuum tips, Wafer carriers, Contact seals High heat insulator bushings, Thermal isolators, Guide rollers, Electrical connectors, Ball valve seats, Aerospace applications, Automotive applications, Chemical process.

Key Properties

Extremely high heat resistance

High purity

Excellent ultrasonic transparency

Excellent thermal insulator

Extremely high mechanical-property retention

Standard Shapes and Forms

Sheet: .500” – 1.50” thick

Rod: .375” – 3.875” diameter

Tubular Bar: 1.625” – 10.75” OD / .750” – 7.00” ID

Celazole PBI is extremely hard and can be challenging to fabricate. Polycrystalline diamond tools are recommended when fabricating production quantities. Celazole tends to be notch sensitive. All corners should be radiused (0.040” min.) and edges chamfered to maximize part toughness. High tolerance fabricated components should be stored in sealed containers (usually polybags with desiccant) to avoid dimensional changes due to moisture absorption. Components rapidly exposed to temperatures above 400°F (205°C) should be “dried” prior to use or kept dry to avoid deformation from thermal shock.

Four Grades, Available in Pellet Form

Celazole TU-60 is a high performance unfilled blend, ideal for applications requiring no fillers. This material works well for complex geometries and offers the best process ability.  Ideal for lamp sockets, connectors and back up seals.

Celazole TF-60C is a carbon-reinforced blend, ideal for parts that require high strength, very low creep, and deflection resistance. A great match for planetary gears, office equipment, semiconductor, electronic and mechanical applications.

Celazole TF-60V is a glass-reinforced blend offering thermal and electrical insulation, wear resistance and dimensional stability with the cost efficiency of a direct form process. An excellent choice for high temperature electrical insulators, plasma torch drag cup shields, swirl baffles and parts requiring minimal thermal expansion.

Celazole TL-60 is a lube grade blend offering superior wear resistance, low friction, chemical resistance and high load bearing capability. Well-suited for rotor vanes, thrust bearings, plane bearings, bushings and other friction management applications – particularly under load. 

Celazole / PBI (Polybenzimidazole) Pictures