Joint flame‐retardant effect of triazine‐rich and triazine/phosphaphenanthrene compounds on epoxy resin thermoset

To obtain a more efficient flame‐retardant system, the extra‐triazine‐rich compound melamine cyanurate (MCA) was coworked with tri(3‐9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide‐2‐hydroxypropan‐1‐yl)?1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐trione (TGIC–DOPO) in epoxy thermosets; these were composed of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin and 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM). The flame‐retardant properties were investigated by limited oxygen index measurement, vertical burning testing, and cone calorimeter testing. In contrast to the DGEBA/DDM (EP for short) thermoset with a single TGIC–DOPO, a better flame retardancy was obtained with TGIC–DOPO/MCA/EP. The 3% TGIC–DOPO/2% MCA/EP thermoset showed a lower peak heat‐release rate value, a lower effective heat of combustion value, fewer total smoke products, and lower total yields of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide in comparison with 3% TGIC–DOPO/EP. The results reveal that MCA and TGIC–DOPO worked jointly in flame‐retardant thermosets. The dilution effect of MCA, the quenching effect of TGIC–DOPO, and their joint action inhibited the combustion intensity and imposed a better flame‐retardant effect in the gas phase. The 3% TGIC–DOPO/2% MCA/EP thermoset also exhibited an increased residue yield, and more compositions with triazine rings were locked in the residues; this implied that MCA/TGIC–DOPO worked jointly in the condensed phase and promoted thermoset charring. The results reveal the better flame‐retardant effect of the MCA/TGIC–DOPO system in the condensed phase. Therefore, the joint incorporation of MCA and TGIC–DOPO into the EP thermosets increased the flame‐retardant effects in both the condensed and gas phases during combustion. This implied that the adjustment to the group ratio in the flame‐retardant group system endowed the EP thermoset with better flame retardancy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43241.     

The intumescent flame‐retardant biocomposites of poly(lactic acid) containing surface‐coated ammonium polyphosphate and distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS)

This work aims to develop the poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposites with high flame‐retardant performance, which can be applied in electronic and electrical devices as well as automotive parts. First, an intumescent flame retardant composed of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as the acid source and the blowing agent, and the distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as the natural charring agent was designed. The surfaces of DDGS and APP were coated by degradable polymeric flame‐retardant resorcinol di(phenyl phosphate) (RDP), and the coating effects were analyzed. And then the flame‐retardant biocomposites of PLA with RDP‐coated DDGS (C‐DDGS) and RDP‐coated APP (C‐APP) were prepared. The limited oxygen index value of the biocomposites with loading of 15 wt% C‐DDGS and 15 wt% C‐APP reached 32.0%, and UL‐94 V‐0 was attained. The biocomposites also had good mechanical properties and the tensile strength of this sample reached about 57 MPa. Finally, the char residues after burning were analyzed and the flame‐retardant mechanism was discussed.     

不同膨胀型阻燃剂改性聚丙烯/聚乳酸复合材料

用两种不同的膨胀型氮磷阻燃剂(IFR1和IFR2)阻燃改性聚丙烯(PP)/聚乳酸(PLA)复合材料。结果表明:两种阻燃剂在PP/PLA基体中都具有良好的分散性和界面粘合性。阻燃剂的加入降低了材料的力学性能,而含有25%阻燃剂的PP/PLA复合材料就能到达垂直燃烧试验(UL-94)的V0等级。燃烧过程中阻燃剂通过在材料表面形成致密的炭层来提高材料的阻燃性,其中IFR1对PP/PLA体系的阻燃改性效果更好。从力学性能和阻燃效果的双重考虑,质量含量25%的阻燃剂适合于PP/PLA材料的阻燃改性。     

Modification of lignin and its application as char agent in intumescent flame‐retardant poly(lactic acid)

Urea‐modified lignin was prepared according to the Mannich reaction and well characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, elemental ananlyses, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and urea‐modified lignin were added into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a novel intumescent flame‐retardant (IFR) system to improve flame retardancy of PLA. The flammability of IFR–PLA composites was studied using limiting oxygen index, UL‐94 vertical burning method and cone calorimeter test, and their thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the urea‐modified lignin combined with APP exhibited much better flame retardancy and thermal stability than that of the combination of virgin lignin and APP. The improvement may be attributed to the better char morphology with more phosphoric char evidenced by SEM and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal degradation behavior and gas phase flame‐retardant mechanism of polylactide/PCPP blends

The thermal degradation behavior of the blend based on polylactide (PLA) and poly(1,2‐propanediol 2‐carboxyethyl phenyl phosphinate) (PCPP) was investigated by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thermal degradation activation energies (E_a) of neat PLA and PLA/15% PCPP blend were calculated via the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. The E_a of the blends increased with the addition of PCPP increasing when the conversion was higher than 10%. In addition, the appropriate conversion models for the thermal degradation process of PLA and PLA/15% PCPP were studied via the Criado method. At the same time, the main gaseous decomposition products of PLA and its blend were identified by TGA/infrared spectrometry (TGA–FTIR) analysis. And it revealed that the PCPP improved the flame‐retardant property of PLA via altering the release of the flammable gas and nonflammable gas. Moreover, the PCPP improved the flame‐retardant property of PLA by inhibiting exothermic oxidation reactions in the combustion, which was further proved by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40480.     

Bleached extruder chemi‐mechanical pulp fiber‐PLA composites: Comparison of mechanical,thermal, and rheological properties with those of wood flour‐PLA bio‐composites

An environmentally friendly bleached extruder chemi‐mechanical pulp fiber or wood flour was melt compounded with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) into a biocomposite and hot compression molded. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties were determined. The chemical composition, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the hemicellulose in the pulp fiber raw material was almost completely removed after the pulp treatment. The mechanical tests indicated that the pulp fiber increased the tensile and flexural moduli and decreased the tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of the biocomposites. However, pulp fiber strongly reinforced the PLA matrix because the mechanical properties of pulp fiber‐PLA composites (especially the tensile and flexural strengths) were better than those of wood flour‐PLA composites. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirmed that both pulp fiber and wood flour accelerated the cold crystallization rate and increased the degree of crystallinity of PLA, and that this effect was greater with 40% pulp fiber. The addition of pulp fiber and wood flour modified the rheological behavior because the composite viscosity increased in the presence of fibers and decreased as the test frequency increased. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44241.     

Formulation‐properties versatility of wood fiber biocomposites based on polylactide and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends

This article discusses the interrelation between formulation, processing, and properties of biocomposites composed of a bioplastic reinforced with wood fibers. Polylactide (PLA) and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/TPS) were used as polymeric matrices. Two grades of PLA, an amorphous and a semicrystalline one, were studied. TPS content in the PLA/TPS blends was set at 30, 50, and 70 wt%. Two types of wood fiber were selected, a hardwood (HW) and a softwood (SW), to investigate the effect of the fiber type on the biocomposite properties. Finally, the impact of different additives on biocomposite properties was studied with the purpose to enhance the bioplastic/wood fiber adhesion and, therefore, the final mechanical performance. The biocomposites containing 30 wt% of wood fibers were obtained by twin‐screw extrusion. The properties of the biocomposites are described in terms of morphology, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the biocomposites were tested for humidity and water absorption and biodegradability. An almost 100% increase in elastic modulus and 25% in tensile strength were observed for PLA/wood fiber biocomposite with the best compatibilization strategy used. The presence of the TPS in the biocomposites at 30 and 50 wt% maintained the tensile strength higher or at least equal as for the virgin PLA. These superior tensile results were due to the inherent affinity between the matrices and wood fibers improved by the addition of a combination of coupling and a branching agent. In addition to their outstanding mechanical performance, the biocomposites showed high biodegradation within 60 days. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1325–1340, 2014. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2013 ¹      

Improve the mechanical property and flame retardant efficiency of the composites of poly(lactic acid) and resorcinol di(phenyl phosphate) (RDP) with ZnO‐coated kenaf

The kenaf coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) was prepared and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The ZnO‐coated kenaf and the flame retardant resorcinol di(phenyl phosphate) were blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by solution compounding and melt blending to prepare the flame‐retarded PLA composites. The thermal stability, the mechanical property, and the flame retardancy of the PLA composites were improved evidently. The tensile strength of the prepared PLA composites could reach up to 62.3 MPa in comparison with 55.4 MPa of the pure PLA. The dense and compact char residues were observed after the combustion of the PLA composites containing ZnO‐coated kenaf, whereas there were serious dripping phenomena and no char formation during the combustion of the pure PLA. The use of ZnO‐coated kenaf could increase flame retardant efficiency obviously. The mechanism of flame retardancy was discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New strategy towards flame retardancy through design,synthesis, characterization,and fire performance of a chain extender in polyamide 6 composites

A novel flame‐retardant chain extension agent (9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide)‐3,5‐triglycidyl isocyanurate defined as DOPO‐TGIC was synthesized, and its chemical structure was well characterized and confirmed. The effect of DOPO‐TGIC as a synergistic agent on the flame retardancy, rheology, thermal and mechanical properties of polyamide 6/aluminum diethylphosphinate (PA6/AlPi) composites were investigated in details. The results demonstrated that PA6/AlPi/DOPO‐TGIC composites (1.6 mm) successfully passed UL‐94 V‐0 rating with the limiting oxygen index value of 30.5% when the total loading amount of AlPi/DOPO‐TGIC was 10 wt%. In order to achieve the equal flame‐retardant level, the individual AlPi was required 14 wt%. The incorporated DOPO‐TGIC improved the complex viscosity of PA6/AlPi/DOPO‐TGIC composites due to the chain extending reaction between epoxide groups in DOPO‐TGIC and the terminal groups of PA6 matrix. The mechanical performance of PA6/AlPi/DOPO‐TGIC composites was also improved compared with that of PA6/AlPi composites. DOPO‐TGIC stimulated to the formation of more sufficient and compact char layer during combustion. The higher melt viscosity and compact char layer of PA6 composites effectively constrained the volatilization of flammable gases, thus the heat release was reduced. Consequently, the introduction of DOPO‐TGIC simultaneously enhanced the flame retardant and mechanical properties of PA6/AlPi/DOPO‐TGIC composites compared with that of PA6/AlPi composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E206–E215, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of ammonium polyphosphate on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of ramie fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites

Fully degradable natural fiber/degradable polymer composites have received much research attention and have various applications such as in automotive components. But flammability limits their application; it is important to improve the flame retardancy of fully degradable composites with environmentally friendly flame retardants. Flame‐retarded ramie fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were prepared using three processes: (1) PLA was blended with ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and then the resulting flame‐retarded PLA was combined with ramie fibers; (2) ramie fibers underwent flame‐retardant treatment with APP, which were then compounded with PLA; and (3) PLA and ramie, both of which had been flame‐retarded using APP, were blended together. The APP in the composites is shown to be very effective in improving flame retardancy according UL94 test and limiting oxygen index measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the improved flame retardancy is due to increased char residue at high temperature. The loading of APP disturbs the compatibility between PLA and fibers, which can be directly observed using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore it has an influence on the dynamic mechanical properties and mechanical properties according dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical measurements. The results show that composites produced using the third process not only have the best flame retardancy but also comparatively better mechanical properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Combustion properties and transference behavior of ultrafine microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate in ramie fabric‐reinforced poly(L‐lactic acid) biocomposites

Flame‐retardant biocomposites have attracted much attention in past decades. They can provide many advantages, such as total biodegradability and their abundant renewable sources. In the work reported, biocomposites based on poly(L ‐lactic acid) (PLLA), ramie fabric (FAB) and microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MCAPP) were synthesized via hot press molding using the powder‐stacking procedure. The effects of transference behavior of the flame retardant on sustaining flame retardancy of the biocomposites were investigated. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the improved flame retardancy is due to an increased char residue at high temperature. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction data were used to investigate the hydrolysis reaction and transference behavior of ammonium polyphosphate in the biocomposites. UL‐94 testing and limiting oxygen index measurements show that the PLLA/FAB/MCAPP biocomposites retain their flame retardancy even after 21 days in UV‐irradiation hydrothermal aging tests. The good sustained flame retardancy of the PLLA/FAB/MCAPP biocomposites is attributed to the docking interactions and good distribution of MCAPP in the biocomposites. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of phosphorus–nitrogen compound on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polylactic acid

A phosphorus-nitrogen flame retardant (PN) was synthesized by using cytosine and diphenylphosphinic chloride. The flame retardancy and thermal stability of polylactic acid (PLA)/PN composites were investigated by the UL-94 vertical burning test, limited oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The PN performs efficiently on improving the flame retardancy of PLA. The PLA composite achieves the UL-94 V-0 rating and its LOI increases to 30.4 vol% by adding 0.5 wt% PN. The flame retardant mechanism analysis showed that PN catalyzes the degradation of PLA to improve the flame retardancy by melting-away mode. Meanwhile PN reduces the release of flammable gasses during thermal degradation of PLA by promoting the transesterification of PLA, which is helpful for extinguishing flame. Moreover, triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) was used as a micro-crosslinking agent to reduce the loss of mechanical properties of PLA/PN composites caused by degradation. Adding 0.1 wt% TGIC and 1.0 wt% PN into PLA, the tensile strength and elongation at break of PLA/PN are increased to the same level as that of PLA. Therefore, PLA with excellent comprehensive performance can be obtained.     

Simultaneously Improving the Thermal,Flame‐Retardant and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resins Modified by a Novel Multi‐Element Synergistic Flame Retardant

To obtain epoxy resins with satisfactory thermal, flame retardant, and mechanical properties, a novel multi‐element synergistic flame retardant (PPVSZ) is synthesized through the reaction between P? H of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) and C?C of polysilazane (PVSZ) and utilized as a multi‐element synergistic flame retardant for epoxy resins. The flame retardant mechanism is explored by XPS and SEM, confirming that the excellent flame‐retardance efficiency owes itself to an optimal flame retardant way which jointly exerts the flame‐retardant effects in the gaseous and condensed phase. The thermal properties deduced from DSC, TGA, and DMA, indicate the glass transition temperature, maximum weight loss rate, and char yields at 700 °C for EP‐2 increase by about 5.0 °C, 8.4 °C and 8.8%, respectively. Furthermore, mechanical properties such as impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength are also increased by 45.38%, 14.16%, and 17.43%, respectively, which show that the incorporation of PPVSZ does not deteriorate the mechanical properties of modified resin. All the results demonstrate that epoxy resins modified by PPVSZ not only have good effect on the flame retardance, but also have good improvement on thermal and mechanical properties, indicating the potential for applications in many fields requiring fire safety.     

The flame‐retardant properties and mechanisms of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/hexakis (para‐allyloxyphenoxy) cyclotriphosphazene systems

Para‐allyl ether phenol derivative of cyclophosphazene (PACP) was prepared and used as a filler to modify the flame‐retardant properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by melting‐blending. The mechanism of flame‐retardant was discussed and the influences of flame‐retardant contents to the mechanical properties were studied. The results revealed that the incorporation of only 5 phpp PACP (0.37 wt % phosphorus containing) into PET matrix can distinctly increase the flame retardancy of PET/PACP composition, and it has a little effect on the mechanical properties of PET. The high flame‐retardant performance of PET/PACP composite was attributed to the combination of condensed‐phase flame retardant and gas‐phase flame retardant. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42711.     

Reactable versus soluble DOPO derivatives in poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) composites: Flame retardance,mechanical properties and morphology

Flame retardant poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co- terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) composites containing 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10- phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) derivatives (phosphorus-containing diol compound of DOPO-HQ, and bis DOPO phosphonates of DIDOPO) were systematically and comparatively investigated. Results showed that the different structures of the two derivatives with reactable or soluble characteristics display different effects. DIDOPO endows a higher limiting oxygen index and a better UL-94 rating for PLA/PBAT composites compared with DOPO-HQ. Compared with that of PLA/PBAT, the peak heat release rate of PLA/PBAT/DIDOPO-12.5 is 8.4% lower and that of PLA/PBAT/DOPO-HQ-12.5 is 30.6% lower. The flame retardant mechanism of the main gaseous and minor condensed phases is evident for the flame retardant PLA/PBAT composites. In comparison, DIDOPO displays a greater flame inhibition effect, and DOPO-HQ shows better barrier and protective functions in PLA/PBAT composites. Besides, the elongation at break of the composites with DOPO-HQ is slightly superior to that of PLA/PBAT/DIDOPO. After the introduction of flame retardant, the blends show dispersed particles with size reduction relative to those of PLA/PBAT. This work provides a guidance to design PLA composites with simultaneously improved flame retardancy and toughness.     

Flame retardancy and mechanical properties of pet‐based composites containing phosphorus and boron‐based additives

Flame retardancy of poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, was improved using different flame retardant additives such as triphenylphosphate, triphenylphosphine oxide, zinc borate, and boron phosphate (BP). Composites were prepared using a twin screw extruder and subsequently injection molded for characterization purposes. The flame retardancy of the composites was determined by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. Smoke emission during fire was also evaluated in terms of percent light transmittance. Thermal stability and tensile properties of PET‐based composites were compared with PET through TGA and tensile test, respectively. The LOI of the flame retardant composites increased from 21% of neat PET, up to 36% with the addition of 5% BP and 5% triphenyl phosphate to the matrix. Regarding the smoke density analysis, BP was determined as an effective smoke suppressant for PET. Enhanced tensile properties were obtained for the flame retardant PET‐based composites with respect to PET. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42016.     

The flame‐retardance polylactide nanocomposites with nano attapulgite coated by resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate)

The nano attapulgite (ATP) coated by flame‐retardant resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP) was prepared, and the modification effects were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy plus energy dispersive spectrometer, Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, the contact angles, and thermal gravimetry analysis. The results showed that RDP was adsorbed and formed a uniform layer on the surface of nano ATP with a content of about 25 wt%. The prepared polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites with the RDP‐coated nano ATP showed good mechanical properties, and the tensile strength of the nanocomposites containing 30 wt% of the RDP‐coated nano ATP reached 76.9 MPa in comparison with 66.2 MPa of pure PLA. The limiting oxygen index of the prepared PLA composites containing 30 wt% of the RDP‐coated nano ATP was about 24.5% and V‐0 rating was attained compared with 20.5% and with no rating of pure PLA. After the burning of the flame‐retardant PLA composites, a compact and coherent charred layer was formed; the flame‐retardance mechanism is discussed in detail. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:506–513, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Study on the performance of flame‐retardant esterified starch‐modified cassava dregs‐PBS composites

Esterified starch was used as an interfacial modifier to treat the surface of cassava dregs. The treated fiber was used to prepare flame‐retardant poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/cassava dregs fiber composites with the incorporation of intumescent flame retardants (IFR). The mechanical performance and flame‐retardant properties of composites were investigated. Experimental data showed that an appropriate cassava fiber loading favored the mechanical performance of composites. When the total filler content was 30 wt % [m(cassava dregs):m(IFR) = 1:5], in comparison with those of composite prepared by 30 wt % IFR, the tensile and impact strengths of composite increased by 40 ± 7 and 62 ± 8%, respectively. Besides, the limited oxygen index value of 37.3% and UL‐94 V0 rate of composite could be achieved. Possible flame retardant mechanism was proposed. The combusted residue of incorporated cassava dregs could play a support effect in the three‐dimensional charred layer formed by the combustion products of IFR and PBS. The three‐dimensional intumescent charred layer, and the formation of incombustible gas, such as NH3, play an important role in insulation, oxygen barrier, thereby effectively improving the flame retardancy and thermal stability of composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46210.     

Three in one: β‐cyclodextrin,nanohydroxyapatite, and a nitrogen‐rich polymer integrated into a new flame retardant for poly (lactic acid)

A new halogen‐free flame retardant was developed by integrating β‐cyclodextrin, triazin ring, and nanohydroxyapatite (BSDH) into a hybrid system. A β‐cyclodextrin was grafted to a commercially available SABO®STAB UV94 via an aromatic deanhydrate. The BSDH was prepared in situ in the presence of β‐cyclodextrin‐grafted nitrogen‐rich precursor. The resulting hybrid was applied as a flame retardant for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and compared for performance with ammonium polyphosphate (APP). PLA composites containing BSDH and APP, individually or simultaneously, were examined for thermal degradation and flammability by TGA, cone calorimeter, and pyrolysis‐combustion flow calorimetry. TGA results confirmed enhancement of thermal stability of PLA with assistance of BSDH compared to APP. The gases evolved during thermal degradation were assessed by a thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier infrared spectroscopy device. APP revealed catalytic effect to initiate PLA degradation, while BSDH continued to release some gases at elevated temperatures. The flame retardancy of PLA/APP/BSDH blend containing only 10 wt.% of additives was significantly improved. In cone calorimetric tests, a significant fall in peak of heat release rate was observed for this sample, 49% more than that of neat PLA, which was indicative of more gas and condensed phase reflected in more char residue. The corresponding PLA/APP sample, however, showed 17% improvement, as compared to neat PLA. Also, total heat release rate of PLA/APP/BSDH was 45 MJ.m^?2, whereas those of PLA and PLA/APP were 89 and 65 MJ.m^?2, respectively. BSDH and APP showed a synergistic effect on improving the flame retardancy of PLA composites.     

Simultaneously enhanced fracture toughness and flame‐retardant property of poly(l‐lactic acid) via reactive blending with ammonium polyphosphate and in situ formed polyurethane

The preparation of poly(l ‐lactic acid) (PLLA) with high mechanical and ideal flame‐retardant properties is a great challenge. Herein, a simultaneous toughness and flame‐retardant PLLA composite was successfully fabricated by using a one‐step process which introduces 4,4′‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) into PLLA/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends. SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and TGA were adopted to confirm that APP participated in the in situ reaction during the melt process. The impact strength was increased to 13.5 kJ m^?2 from 1.0 kJ m^?2 for L8P2A5 composite, indicating the toughening effect of reactive blending. The cone calorimeter test, limiting oxygen index and vertical burning test results indicate that the flame‐retardant properties of the composites are enhanced with increasing APP content. This work provides a method to prepare PLLA with high mechanical properties and enhanced flame retardancy. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry