Review on flammability of biofibres and biocomposites

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 111; pp. 149 - 182
• Main Authors: Mngomezulu, Mfiso E., John, Maya J., Jacobs, Valencia, Luyt, Adriaan S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 13.10.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Applied sciences; biocomposites; Biopolymers; Biopolymers - chemistry; Butylene Glycols - chemistry; Calorimetry - instrumentation; Calorimetry - methods; Composite; Composites; Equipment Design; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers and threads; Flame retardants; Flame Retardants - analysis; Flammability; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Humans; Natural fibre; Polyesters - chemistry; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers - chemistry; risk; Technology of polymers; MPD; PP; PBAT; APP; PS; PU; Flame retardants; MH or MDH; HRR; BAl; MLR; MA; SPR; UL 94; PHRR; NAs; UV; EG; MMB; PBT; RAs; FRs; LOI; ZB; SEA; EVA; MMP; SWNTs; MMT; DTG; TPOSS; NFRBC; PCL; NFs; POSS; SEM; TBBPA; FRAs; PLA; HPCA; PPTA; TTI; RTM; Biopolymers; LDPE; BDP; PTT; IFR; PCFC; PBDE; Natural fibre; THR; PEBAX; Composite; PA6; MWNTs; PHBV; MA-g-PP; MCC; OSU; PC; SPDPM; PMMA; ATH; PE; DNA; Flammability; HRC; TBPA; HBCD; Fireproofing; Fiber reinforced material; Flame retardant; Review; Composite material; Thermal properties; Natural fiber; Biopolymer
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.03.071

•Discusses types of flame retardants and their mechanisms in biocomposites.•Covers the principles and methodology of various flammability testing techniques.•Reviews literature on flammability of biofibres, biopolymers and their biocomposites.•Successful use of flame retardants on biopolymers like PBS, PCL and PHBV still need to be explored. The subject on flammability properties of natural fibre-reinforced biopolymer composites has not been broadly researched. This is not only evidenced by the minimal use of biopolymer composites and/or blends in different engineering areas where fire risk and hazard to both human and structures is of critical concern, but also the limited amount of published scientific work on the subject. Therefore, it is necessary to expand knowledge on the flammability properties of biopolymers and add value in widening the range of their application. This paper reviews the literature on the recent developments on flammability studies of bio-fibres, biopolymers and natural fibre-reinforced biocomposites. It also covers the different types of flame retardants (FRs) used and their mechanisms, and discusses the principles and methodology of various flammability testing techniques.