Are recycled PBO and PBI textiles suitable for defense applications?
Yes. In the defense sector, the primary requirement is uncompromising reliability under extreme thermal and mechanical stress. At Hilaturas Arnau, we engineer recycled PBO and PBI textiles specifically to meet the rigorous demands of tactical environments, from ballistic vest covers to flame-resistant organizational gear (FROG).
Certified Protection for the Modern Soldier
Our materials are not merely "alternatives"; they are mission-critical textiles. According to the LEITAT Test Report IN-02811/2025-1, our high-performance blends have been validated against international safety standards[cite: 3, 5]:
Extreme Radiant Heat Protection: Our PBO/PREOX/PARA blends achieved a Code C4 rating, the highest level of performance for radiant heat transfer.
Flame Propagation Resistance: Tested under ISO 15025:2016, these textiles show zero afterflame and no melting or dripping, essential for preventing secondary burn injuries in combat[cite: 107, 120].
Mechanical Integrity: The inherent strength of recycled PBO provides excellent dimensional stability and resistance to abrasion, even after exposure to high-temperature flashes[cite: 107, 182].
Tailored Tactical Solutions
Defense procurement often requires a balance between elite protection and weight management. Our unique ability to blend recycled PBO and PBI—a capability exclusive to Hilaturas Arnau—allows us to develop:
Flight & Vehicle Crew Suits: Lightweight, breathable blends that offer superior flash-fire protection.
Ballistic Reinforcements: Utilizing the high tensile strength of PBO to enhance the structural durability of tactical carriers.
Cost-Effective Procurement: Providing the defense industry with a sustainable way to implement PBO/PBI technology at a more competitive price point than virgin-only equivalents.
By leveraging our ISO-certified laboratory results and specialized spinning techniques, Hilaturas Arnau provides defense contractors with a proven, sustainable, and highly performant material source that meets the evolution of modern warfare requirements.
