Fabrication of novel renewable furan-based phosphorus and its applications in poly (lactic acid): Thermal, flammability, crystallization and mechanical properties

•A novel renewable furan-based phosphorus (PFPA) is synthesized.•Multifunctional bio-based PFPA is a good nucleating agent and fire-retardant for PLA.•A V-0 classification in UL-94 and LOI result of 30.7 % for PLA with only loading 3 wt% PFPA are achieved.•The anti-flammability mechanism for PFPA in PLA is displayed. Aiming to develop the crystallization and anti-flammability additives for creating high performance PLA, in this paper, a novel multifunctional bio-based furan derivative phenyl P-(N-N'-di-(furan-2-ylmethyl))phosphonamidate (PFPA) is synthesized and then is incorporated into PLA to enhance its comprehensive properties. The low loading of multifunctional bio-based PFPA not only as the nucleating agent increases the crystallinity and crystallization rate for PLA matrix, but also significantly improves anti-flammability properties of PLA. The V-0 classification in UL-94 and LOI result of 30.7 % for PLA with only loading 3 wt% PFPA are achieved. Moreover, the heat release values in cone-calorimeter measurement of PLA/3%PFPA composites are obviously decreased. The anti-flammability mechanism displays that PFPA forms highly-efficient fire-retardant radicals, accelerates heat away, suppresses combustible gases, and enhances stable residual carbon during PLA/PFPA combustion. This work provides a facile and efficient strategy for preparing multifunctional bio-based additives crystallization and fire-safety agent for PLA as well as promises broad application in engineering materials.