A universal eco-friendly flame retardant strategy for polylactic acid fabrics and other polymer substrates

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules Vol. 260; no. Pt 1; p. 129411
• Main Authors: Liu, Jian, Qi, Peng, Chen, Feng, Zhang, Jingfan, Li, Hongfei, Sun, Jun, Gu, Xiaoyu, Zhang, Sheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Flame retardant; Flame Retardants; Phytic Acid; Polyesters; Polyethylene Terephthalates; Polylactic acid; Polymers; Textiles; Various polymer substrates; Flame retardant; Polylactic acid; Various polymer substrates
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129411

Various polymer substrates have their particular combustion features, therefore, developing an effective universal flame retardant strategy for various polymer substrates is of great practical importance. Meanwhile, as substitutes for petroleum-based products, bio-based flame retardants and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) meet the requirements of sustainable development. In this work, a fully bio-based flame retardant coating (PAGS) was prepared using phytic acid (PA) and guanosine (GS). PAGS was used as a universal flame retardant coatings for polylactic acid (PLA) fabrics and other substrates, including cotton fabrics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics, polyamide (PA) fabrics, polyurethane (PU) foams, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, and woods. The PAGS-treated substrates were able to self-extinguish and eliminate molten droplets. Similarly, the PAGS coating significantly suppressed the heat release of each substrate. The P-containing free radicals in the gas phase were able to interact with highly reactive H, HO and alkyl radicals, blocking the chain reaction during combustion. The flammable gas density was also diluted by nonflammable gases. The formed continuous porous and dense intumescent char layer hindered heat and oxygen. It is suggested that this work provides a simple and efficient flame retardant strategy for improving the fire safety of various polymer substrates. [Display omitted] •An eco-friendly flame retardant coating (PAGS) was prepared.•The PAGS coating was applied on polylactic acid fabrics and other substrates.•The PAGS coating improved the flame retardancy and eliminated molten dripping.•The intumescent flame retardant mechanism of PAGS was proposed.