The preparation of fully bio‐based flame retardant poly(lactic acid) composites containing casein

In this work, a bio‐based flame retardant, casein, was incorporated into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by melt compounding in order to improve the fire resistance and sustain the biodegradable character of PLA simultaneously. The fire performance of PLA composites was evaluated by limiting oxygen index, UL‐94 vertical burning, and cone calorimeter tests, respectively. The results indicated that the introduction of 20% casein increased the limiting oxygen index value of PLA composites from 20.0% to 32.2%, upgraded the UL‐94 rating from no rating to V‐0, and decreased the peak heat release rate from 779 to 639 kW/m². The decomposition products of PLA composites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, and the morphology of the char after combustion was observed by scanning electron microscopy. It was suggested that casein took effects in both gas phase by releasing non‐flammable gases (such as NH₃ and H₂O) and condensed phase by the formation of protective char layers. However, the presence of casein in PLA induced an unavoidable deterioration in the mechanical performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46599.     

Flame retardancy and nondripping properties of ammonium polyphosphate/poly(butylene succinate) composites enhanced by water crosslinking

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composites were prepared with a unique water‐crosslinking technique to improve the flame retardancy and nondripping properties of the composites and to maintain the main structure of the composites during flame tests. The composites were treated with a coupling agent (tetraethoxysilane) and then were compounded in a twin‐screw extruder. The compound was moisture‐crosslinked. Fourier transform infrared spectra were used to monitor the water‐crosslinking reaction. The composites via the water‐crosslinking treatment exhibited improved mechanical properties because of the interfacial bonding between the APP and PBS matrix. Scanning electron microscopy of the fractured surfaces of the water‐crosslinked composites showed that the void size increased with increasing water‐crosslinking time. Composites with 15 wt % APP were classified as UL‐94 V‐2; however, the ones with only a 0.5‐h water‐crosslinking reaction were classified as UL‐94 V‐0. Thermal analyses of the water‐crosslinked composites indicated that the thermal degradation temperature of the composites increased with increasing water‐crosslinking time. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the water‐crosslinking reaction could limit the crystallization rate of PBS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 2935–2945, 2006     

Thermal properties and degradation behavior of poly(1,4‐butylene adipate)/modified layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

In this study, poly(1,4‐butylene adipate) (PBA)/organomodified layered double hydroxide (m‐LDH) nanocomposites were synthesized and characterized as a new material for green materials use. m‐LDH was initially prepared with magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, aluminum nitrate‐9‐hydrate, oleic acid, and sorbitol by a novel one‐step coprecipitation method to intercalate the oleic acid and sorbitol organomodifier into the interlayer of the layered double hydroxide. The solution mixing process was then applied and shown to be an efficient method for fabricating the PBA/m‐LDH nanocomposites. The m‐LDH characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) showed a high interlayer spacing of 58.8 Å. The morphology and thermal properties of the PBA/m‐LDH nanocomposites were characterized with XRD, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. It was shown that the m‐LDH was well distributed in the PBA matrix and that the thermal properties of the PBA/m‐LDH nanocomposites significantly improved with a loading of 0.1 wt % m‐LDH. Finally, the biodegradability of the PBA/m‐LDH nanocomposites was tested with lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens as a microbial catalyst. It was shown that an addition of m‐LDH up to 0.5% resulted in a significant difference in terms of the biodegradability. After 120 h of degradation, the residual weight and surface morphology of the composite films were affected by the presence of m‐LDH. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42083.     

Flame‐retardant mechanism of expandable polystyrene foam with a macromolecular nitrogen–phosphorus intumescent flame retardant

Expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam is largely used as the thermally insulating external wall in buildings and constructions, but it is extremely flammable because of the presence of almost 98% air into its porous structure, its high surface‐area‐to‐mass ratio, and its elemental composition. Lots of serious fire disasters caused by EPS foam have posed great threats to people's properties and lives in recent years. Thus, a halogen‐free, flame‐retardant EPS is urgently needed, and its preparation is still a global challenge. To solve the problem that it is easy for EPS foam to form melt dripping and difficult for it to generate a char layer during the combustion process, a macromolecular nitrogen–phosphorus intumescent flame retardant (MNP) was selected to prepare flame‐retardant EPS foam and good mechanical and flame‐retardant properties were obtained. The scanning electron microscopy characterization revealed that MNP could penetrate into the gap between the beads, and a thin physical coating layer formed on the surface of the bead. The data from the thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared test indicated that a nitrogenous noncombustible gas was generated by the pyrolysis of MNP. When the MNP content increased to 30%, the limiting oxygen index and the smoking density rate of the EPS–MNP foam were 28.8 and 23.6, respectively, and a UL94 V‐0 classification was achieved. In addition, the heat‐release rate, total heat‐release, smoke produce rate, and carbon dioxide production of the EPS–MNP foams all decreased obviously; this was attributed to the flame‐retardant effects of MNP in both the condensed and gas phases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44356.     

Synergistic effect between aluminum hypophosphite and a new intumescent flame retardant system in poly(lactic acid)

A hyperbranched charring agent (CT) was synthesized by triglycidyl isocyanurate and diethylenetriamine in water, and a new intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system was formed by ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and CT. The different formula and synergistic system between IFR and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) have been studied through limit oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94, cone calorimetry test and TGA. It was found that the LOI for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with 30 APP/CT (4:1) and 20 wt % IFR/AHP (3:1) were 41.2% and 43.5%, respectively, and the both could achieve UL‐94V‐0 rating with no melt dripping. The heat release rate (HRR), maximum HRR value and average mass loss rate of PLA could be dramatically decreased by combination of IFR and AHP while the thermal stability was greatly enhanced. The study of morphology and structure of char illustrated that more intumescent and compact char layer with good intensity was formed during the degradation of IFR/AHP, which resulting to better flame retardancy and anti‐dripping than IFR or AHP alone. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46359.     

Effects of layered double hydroxides on the thermal and flame retardant properties of intumescent flame retardant high density polyethylene composites

In this study, two layered double hydroxides (LDHs), ZnAl-LDH, and MgAl-LDH, were combined with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) consisting of ammonium polyphosphate and tris (2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate to prepare flame retardant high density polyethylene composites. The thermal and flame retardant properties of these composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index measurement, and cone calorimetry, while the morphology and chemical structure of the char residue were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, and laser Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of both HD/IFR/Zn-LDH and HD/IFR/Mg-LDH composites was 52.0% and 12.0% lower than that of HD and HD/IFR, respectively, suggesting that there was no difference in the reduction of PHRR between the two LDHs. The use of LDHs resulted in the formation of compact char residue with a high graphitic degree, but no significant increase in tensile strength.     

Expandable graphite encapsulated by magnesium hydroxide nanosheets as an intumescent flame retardant for rigid polyurethane foams

Encapsulation of expandable graphite (EG) particles by organic or inorganic shells has been proved to efficiently enhance the expandability of EG, and thus to improve the flame‐retardant efficiency of EG. In this study, magnesium hydroxide (MH) nanosheets were utilized to fabricate core–shell EG@MH flame‐retardant particles through a heterocoagulation method. It was observed that after the encapsulation by MH nanosheets, the edges of the char residue of the EG layer were sealed after combustion, which contributed to the enhancement of expandability. The expansion volume of EG@MH increased dramatically to 456 mL/g, in contrast to 338 mL/g for pure EG. By incorporating 11.5 wt % of flame‐retardant particles, polyurethane foam containing EG@MH (here PU‐EG@MH) displayed excellent flame retardancy. Compared with the physically mixed sample, PU‐EG+MH, the limiting oxygen index value for the PU‐EG@MH sample increased from 29.8% to 32.6%. Furthermore, the shell of MH nanosheets was beneficial for improving the interfacial adherence between EG and the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) matrix, due to the reaction between isocyanate functional groups and MH. The cell structure and storage modulus of PU‐EG@MH were improved. In other words, the shell of MH nanosheets successfully improved the flame‐retardant efficiency and enhanced the interface adhesion between EG and the matrix. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46749.     

Preparation of aluminum hydroxide/aluminum phosphinate flame‐retardant poly(vinyl alcohol) foam through thermal processing

A novel flame‐retardant poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite foam was prepared successfully through thermal processing, which was filled with high content of flame retardant, based on aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and aluminum phosphinate (AlPi) and using water as plasticizer and blowing agent. The flame‐retardant property and mechanism of the prepared foam matrix were studied by vertical burning test, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results showed that the PVA/ATH/AlPi (1/1.2/0.05) composite achieved LOI value of 41% and UL94 V‐0 (3.2 mm) rate. The addition of ATH and AlPi into PVA matrix significantly decreased flammability of the composites, because a more compact and continuous char layer of the PVA/ATH/AlPi composite could be formed, due to the involvement of AlPi in the char‐forming reaction. Compared with the pure PVA sample, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PVA/ATH/AlPi (1/1.2/0.05) composite were reduced by 76.5% and 58.2%, respectively. Built upon this PVA‐based foam matrix with good flame retardancy, the flame‐retardant PVA‐based foam was successfully prepared through thermal extrusion. In addition, the influence of water content on melt viscosity, foam structure and mechanical strength was also analyzed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42020.     

A phosphorus‐containing inorganic compound as an effective flame retardant for glass‐fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6

A novel inorganic compound, aluminum hypophosphite (AP), was synthesized successfully and applied as a flame retardant to glass‐fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (GF–PA6). The thermal stability and burning behaviors of the GF–PA6 samples containing AP (flame‐retardant GF–PA6) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, vertical burning testing (with a UL‐94 instrument), limiting oxygen index (LOI) testing, and cone calorimeter testing (CCT). The thermogravimetric data indicated that the addition of AP decreased the onset decomposition temperatures, the maximum mass loss rate (MLR), and the maximum‐rate decomposition temperature of GF–PA6 and increased the residue chars of the samples. Compared with the neat GF–PA6, the AP‐containing GF–PA6 samples had obviously improved flame retardancy: the LOI value increased from 22.5 to 30.1, and the UL‐94 rating went from no rating to V‐0 (1.6 mm) when the AP content increased from 0 to 25 wt % in GF–PA6. The results of CCT reveal that the heat release rate, total heat release, and MLR of the AP‐containing GF–PA6 samples were lower than those of GF–PA6. Furthermore, the higher additive amount of AP affected the mechanical properties of GF–PA6, but they remained acceptable. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

A commercial phosphorous–nitrogen containing intumescent flame retardant for thermoplastic polyurethane

The aim of this work is to develop a halogen‐free thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite with significantly improved fire performance by using a highly commercial phosphorous–nitrogen containing intumescent flame retardant (P–N IFR). Based on the characterizations of thermogravimetric analysis and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectra, P–N IFR powder was proved a desired flame retardant for TPU in theory and the thermal degradation property of PU/PNIFR composites at elevated temperatures was investigated as well. Fire performance was evaluated by limiting oxygen index, underwriters laboratories 94 testing and char residue morphologies. Results showed that the addition of P–N IFR promotes the formation of char residues which were covered on the surface of polymer composites resulting in the improvement of thermal stability and flame retardancy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39772.     

Effect of particle size and content of magnesium hydroxide on flame retardant properties of asphalt

The flame‐retardant properties of asphalt for some building applications are very important. This article is mainly focused on the influence of particle size and content of magnesium hydroxide (MH) on the flame‐retardant properties of asphalt. The limit oxygen index and cone calorimeter results indicate that as the MH content and mesh number increase, the flame‐retardant properties of MH‐filled flame‐retardant asphalt show a rising trend. But the role of particle size in smoke suppression is not obvious. Several tests confirm that the dispersion of the MH have some influence on the flame‐retarding effect of asphalt. The 3000 mesh MH for the preparation of flame‐retardant asphalt shows optimal performance. The experimental data show that the softening point of flame‐retardant asphalt increases, but the ductility and penetration decrease with increasing MH content. MH affects the asphalt viscosity, but not affects the adhesion of the asphalt to gravel. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Synergistic effect between silicone‐containing macromolecular charring agent and ammonium polyphosphate in flame retardant polypropylene

A novel silicone‐containing macromolecular charring agent (Si‐MCA) was synthesized via polycondensation, and it was combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to flame retard polypropylene (PP). The results showed that Si‐MCA exhibited a good synergistic effect with APP in flame retardant PP. When the content of APP was 18.7 wt % and Si‐MCA was 6.3 wt %, the limiting oxygen index value of the PP/APP/Si‐MCA composite was 33.5%, and the vertical burning (UL 94) test classed a V‐0 rating. The peak heat release rate, total heat release, average mass loss rate, and total smoke production of the composite were also decreased significantly. Moreover, the PP/APP/Si‐MCA composite showed an outstanding water resistance. After soaking in 70°C water for 168 h, the PP/APP/Si‐MCA composite could still reach a UL 94 V‐0 rating at 20.0 wt % IFR loading, whereas the PP/APP/PER composite failed to pass the UL 94 test even at 25.0 wt % IFR loading. Thermogravimetric analysis, thermogravimetry‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry results revealed that a compact and thermostable intumescent char was formed by APP/Si‐MCA during burning, thus effectively improved the flame retardancy of PP. The possible synergistic mechanism between APP and Si‐MCA was also discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41580.     

Microencapsulation of intumescent flame‐retardant agent: Application to flame‐retardant natural rubber composite

The first part of this investigation focused on the synthesis and characterization of a microencapsulated intumescent flame retardant (MIFR) agent. Two steps were used in the synthesis process. The structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric anaylysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The addition of this MIFR agent into natural rubber (NR) led to an improvement in its physicomechanical and flame‐retardant (FR) properties. The second part focused on the evaluation of such characteristics as cure characteristics, FR property, tensile properties, abrasion resistance, and dynamic mechanical analysis of MIFR filled NR composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1828–1838, 2007     

Reactive,intumescent, halogen‐free flame retardant for polypropylene

A reactive, intumescent, halogen‐free flame retardant, 2‐({9‐[(4,6‐diamino‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)amino]‐3,9‐dioxido‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxa‐3,9‐diphosphaspiro[5.5]undecan‐3‐yl}oxy)ethyl methacrylate (EADP), was synthesized through a simple three‐step reaction from phosphorus oxychloride, pentaerythritol, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and melamine. EADP exhibited excellent thermal stability and char‐forming ability, as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TGA results show that the temperature at 5% weight loss was 297.8°C and the char yield at 700°C was 51.75%. SEM observation revealed that the char showed a continuous and compact surface and a cellular inner structure with different sizes. Composite of polypropylene (PP) with a 25 wt % addition of EADP (PP/EADP25) passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating and showed a limiting oxygen index value of 31.5. Compared with those of neat PP, the flexural strength and modulus values of PP/EADP25 were somewhat improved, the tensile strength was basically unchanged, and the notched Izod impact strength was slightly decreased. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40054.     

Effect of modified layered double hydroxide on the flammability of intumescent flame retardant PP nanocomposites

The dodecyl sulfate intercalated CaMgAl-hydrotalcites (layered double hydroxides [LDHs]) were successfully prepared by co-precipitation method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared spectra [FT-IR]), thermogravimetry (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscope, and Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET). The prepared LDHs were added to the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites, and the limiting oxygen index method (LOI), vertical combustion method (UL-94), cone calorimetry (CCT), and other test methods were used to study its thermal stability and combustion performance. The results showed that when the flame retardant was composed of 23 wt% IFR and 2 wt% O-SDS-LDHs, the LOI value of the material was increased to 31.5%, reaching the V-0 level, and the flame retardant performance was significantly improved. The results also showed that there was a significant synergistic effect between IFR and O-SDS-LDHs, which could improve the thermal stability and graphitization degree of PP nanocomposites. In addition, the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production of the PP/IFR/O-SDS-LDHs system were 177 kW/m², 101 MJ/m², and 15.4 m², respectively, which were 82.2%, 51.0%, and 23.0% lower than those of pure PP, respectively. These improvements could be attributed to the presence of dense and continuous char layer formed by the synergistic effect.     

Investigations of thermal degradation behavior and fire performance of halogen‐free flame retardant poly(1,4‐butylene terephthalate) composites

This work aims to develop halogen‐free poly(1,4‐butylene terephthalate) (PBT) composites with enhanced flame retardancy using ecofriendly flame retardants, aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) and melamine derivatives (melamine polyphosphate and melamine cyanurate). Microscale combustion calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis/infrared spectrometry (TG‐IR) technique were used to investigate the potential fire hazards of these PBT composites. For the PBT composites with the incorporation of AHP and melamine derivatives, the heat release capacity (HRC) which is an indicator of a material fire hazard was significantly reduced, and the intensities of a variety of combustible or toxic gases detected by TG‐IR technique were remarkably decreased. Moreover, a loading of 20 wt % flame retardant mixture fulfilled the PBT composites high limited oxygen index (LOI) and V‐0 classification in UL 94 testing. An intumescent flame retarded mechanism was speculated in this work, because numerous bubble‐like char residues were found on the surface of the samples containing flame retardant mixture after LOI testing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

茶皂素基膨胀型阻燃剂的制备及其在涂料中的应用

采用多羟基、多羧基的活性天然产物茶皂素为原料,与聚磷酸铵和季戊四醇在一定条件下反应,制备一种聚磷酸酯类茶皂素基三位一体新型环保膨胀型阻燃剂。采用傅里叶红外分析技术对阻燃剂进行了结构表征,采用综合热分析仪对阻燃剂的热降解性能进行了研究。结果表明,茶皂素与聚磷酸铵、季戊四醇发生反应,生成聚磷酸酯类茶皂素基膨胀型阻燃剂,且该阻燃剂具有良好的热稳定性,降解热释放较小,高温残留率高,最终的质量残留率高达30.77%。将制备阻燃剂用于阻燃涂料中,并采用氧指数测试仪和锥形量热仪研究了阻燃涂料的阻燃性能和热解性能。研究表明,茶皂素基三位一体膨胀型阻燃剂能显著提高涂料的阻燃性能,阻燃涂料的氧指数值高达34.2%,耐火时间为11.1 min,且锥形量热实验中,该阻燃涂料试样的平均热释放速率（m-HRR）为36.18 kW/m2,总热释放量（THR）为5.25 kJ/m2,平均有效燃烧热（m-EHC）为5.11 kJ/kg,与含复合型阻燃剂的阻燃涂料试样相比,阻燃性能得到极大提高。该制备阻燃剂不含卤素,集三源一体,具有阻燃性能优越,相容性能良好,高效环保等优点。     

Preparation and characterization of poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐(butylene adipate)]/carbon nanotube‐coated silk fiber composites

Biodegradable composites consisting of aliphatic polyesters (poly[(butylenes succinate)‐co‐(butylenes adipate)] (PBSA)) and Bombyx mori silk fibers coated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by melt compression molding. The mechanical properties of PBSA were enhanced by the incorporation of a small amount (3 wt%) of CNT‐coated silk fibers, while allowing its potential biodegradability to be retained, which could make these composites good candidates for commodity materials such as general‐purpose plastics. This improvement is attributed to the interactions between PBSA and CNT‐coated silk fibers in the composites. The average interfacial shear strength of the composites consisting of CNT‐coated silk fibers and PBSA matrix was 1.7 MPa, as measured by the microbond droplet test, while that of composites consisting of pure silk fibers and PBSA was only 1.1 MPa. The morphology of the CNT‐coated silk fiber‐reinforced composites was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Melamine polyphosphate/silicon‐modified phenolic resin flame retardant glass fiber reinforced polyamide‐6

The halogen‐free flame retardance of glass fiber reinforced polyamide‐6 (PA6) is an everlastingly challenge due to well‐known wick effect. In this research, a novel system composed of a nitrogen–phosphorous flame retardant, melamine polyphosphate combined with a macromolecular charring agent, silicon‐modified phenolic resin (SPR), was employed to flame‐retard glass fiber reinforced PA6. It exhibited obvious synergistic effect between the two components at a proper ratio range. The flame retardance of the composites can be remarkably improved due to the increased amount and improved thermal stability of the produced char. The flame resistance tests indicated that the synergism system with an optimized ratio achieved V0 (1.6 mm) rating of UL94, 25.2% of Limited Oxygen Index, and only 338.2 W/g of the heat release peak rate. The corresponding synergistic mechanisms were investigated by the characterizations including the thermal gravimetric analysis, carbonation test, and the char morphology observation. It confirmed that the introduced SPR could accelerate the carbonation of PA6 resin, which was in favor of the construction of denser and more continuous charring structure. In addition, the flame retardant materials also indicated the acceptable mechanical properties, showing the advantages in the overall performance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Effect of zinc borate on the fire and thermal degradation behaviors of a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)-containing intumescent flame retardant

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zinc borate (ZnB) on the fire and thermal degradation behaviors of a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3,4)HB]-containing intumescent flame retardant (IFR). The IFR system was composed of ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol, and melamine. The fire properties of P(3,4)HB/IFR/ZnB blends were evaluated by limited oxygen index, Underwriters Laboratories 94, microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC), and cone calorimetry (CONE) testing. The results of MCC and CONE show that the peak heat release rate, which is an important indicator of material fire hazard, of P(3,4)HB/IFR decreased when a small amount of the IFR was substituted by ZnB. The thermal degradation behavior of the P(3,4)HB/IFR/ZnB blends were measured by thermogravimetric analysis and thermogravimetric analysis–infrared (TG–IR) spectrometry. The data of TG–IR showed that the flammable gas products of P(3,4)HB released during the thermal degradation process were greatly decreased. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that more compact char residues were observed with the incorporation of ZnB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012