Ti3C2Tx MXene-Synergized Intumescent Flame-Retardant Polylactic Acid Composites: Flame Retardancy, Thermal Behavior, and SBS Toughening
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Polylactic acid (PLA) is derived from renewable resources and can be composted under controlled industrial conditions, but its flammability and brittleness limit wider use. This study combined Ti3C2Tx MXene with surface terminations and an intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system based on ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol (4:1, w/w). A styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) elastomer was then added to improve toughness. At a total flame retardant loading of 10 wt%, PLA/8.5IFR/1.5MXene reached a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 30.32% and a UL-94 V-0 rating without dripping. Compared with PLA/10IFR, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) decreased by 18.6% and 28.8%, respectively, and the residue at 600 °C increased from 5.88 to 6.75 wt%. The composite containing MXene formed a denser char and showed a slightly lower Raman D/G intensity ratio. Adding 10 wt% SBS increased notched impact strength by 48% for PLA/IFR and 31% for PLA/IFR/MXene, but reduced tensile strength and modulus. MXene therefore improved the barrier in the condensed phase at a lower IFR content, while SBS partly recovered toughness.
Source: Polymers
Authors: Liqun He, Wan Zhang, Jianji Wang, Jianxiao Bian
Institution: Longdong University
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Award: G1979519340
OpenAlex ID: W7204444842