A fully bio-based intumescent flame retardant for poly(butylene succinate)

A novel fully bio-based intumescent flame retardant PA-GU was prepared by green and convenient ionic reaction of phytic acid (PA) and guanosine (GU) in aqueous environment, being prepared by adding PA-GU completely derived from renewable feedstocks to poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The tests results showed that when the addition amount of PA-GU was 10 wt%, the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) of the sample decreased 59.2% (from 1413 kW/m2 to 577 kW/m2), the total heat release (THR) decreased 38.6% (from 132 MJ/m2 to 81 MJ/m2), and the average mass loss rate decreased to 11 g/m2•s (from 13 g/m2•s) compared to PBS containing no additive, all of which gradually decreased with the increasement of PA-GU. The preparation of flame retardant PBS composite not only means the expansion of the application of PBS, but also provides a new idea for the preparation of completely biologically derived flame-retardant materials. •Flame retardant PA-GU was prepared from bio-derived phytic acid and guanosine. .•The synthesis process of PA-GU was in the aqueous phase with a high yield.•PA-GU effectively improves the char forming ability and flame retardancy of PBS.•PBS/PA-GU provides a new idea for preparing bio-based flame-retardant materials.