Thermal degradation characteristic and flame retardancy of polylactide-based nanobiocomposites

Kuruma Malkappa, Jayita Bandyopadhyay, Suprakas Sinha Ray

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most widely used organic bio-degradable polymers. However, it has poor flame retardancy characteristics. To address this disadvantage, we performed melt-blending of PLA with intumescent flame retardants (IFRs; melamine phosphate and pentaerythritol) in the presence of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT), which resulted in nanobiocomposites with excellent intumescent char formation and improved flame retardant characteristics. Triphenyl benzyl phosphonium (OMMT-1)-and tributyl hexadecyl phosphonium (OMMT-2)-modified MMTs were used in this study. Thermogravimetric analysis in combination with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that these nanocomposites release a smaller amount of toxic gases during thermal degradation than unmodified PLA. Melt-rheological behaviors supported the conclusions drawn from the cone calorimeter data and char structure of the various nanobiocomposites. Moreover, the characteristic of the surfactant used for the modification of MMT played a crucial role in controlling the fire properties of the composites. For example, the nanocomposite containing 5 wt.% OMMT-1 showed significantly improved fire properties with a 47% and 68% decrease in peak heat and total heat release rates, respectively, as compared with those of unmodified PLA. In summary, melt-blending of PLA, IFR, and OMMT has potential in the development of high-performance PLA-based sustainable materials.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2648
JournalMolecules
Volume23
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Oct 2018

Keywords

  • Intumescent flame retardancy
  • polylactide nanocomposites
  • Synergistic effect

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Chemistry (miscellaneous)
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Drug Discovery
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry

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