Polylactic acid biocomposites: approaches to a completely green flame retarded polymer

Basic paths towards fully green flame retarded kenaf fiber reinforced polylactic acid (K-PLA) biocomposites are compared. Multicomponent flame retardant systems are investigated using an amount of 20 wt% such as Mg(OH) (MH), ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and expandable graphite (EG), and combinations with silicon dioxide or layered silicate (LS) nanofillers. Adding kenaf fibers and flame retardants increases the E modulus up to a factor 2, although no compatibilizer was used at all. Thus, in particular adding EG and MH decreases the strength at maximum elongation, and kenaf fibers, MH, and EG are crucial for reducing the elongation to break. The oxygen index is improved by up to 33 vol% compared to 17 vol% for K-PLA. The HB classification of K-PLA in the UL 94 test is outperformed. All flame retarded biocomposites show somewhat lower thermal stability and increased amounts of residue. MH decreases the fire load significantly, and the greatest reduction in peak heat release rate is obtained for K-PLA/15MH/5LS. Synergistic effects are observed between EG and APP (ratio 2:1) in flammability and fire properties. Synergistic multicomponent systems containing EG and APP, or MH with adjuvants offer a promising route to green flame retarded natural fiber reinforced PLA biocomposites.