ABSTRACT
Poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibre (i) is a high-performance organic fibre [1, 2], which has been developed by Toyobo under the trade name of ZYLON®. Its structure is one of a rigid rod polymer which can be spun from a liquid crystal solution to give a highly axially organized crystalline morphology. As a result, the lack of conformational kinks means that the fibres can have a modulus of 370 GPa [3], Besides its superior mechanical properties, the fibres have excellent thermal and flame resistance. In addition, it has a low density. Its high strain-to-failure means that PBO fibres can be used in a variety of applica-
(i) tions, such as materials for aerospace structures, fire resistant protective clothes, high performance ropes, etc. Its application as a reinforcement in advanced composite materials is one of the most important.
