A lignin-based flame retardant for improving fire behavior and biodegradation performance of polybutylene succinate

The fast biodegradation rate and inflammability of polybutylene succinate (PBS) severely restrict its applications in many areas. To solve the above problems and broaden its applications, herein, a halogen-free flame retardant (CP-lignin) based on lignin was successfully synthesized. After adding 30 wt% CP-lignin into PBS, the peak heat release rate and total heat release of PBS are remarkably reduced by 27 and 31%, respectively. Additionally, the higher char yield was beneficial to improving the flame retardant properties of PBS. After adding 10 wt% CP-lignin, the ratio of weight loss is reduced by about 33%, and the ratio of weight loss is decreased gradually as the CP-lignin loading increases. This research provides a reasonably way to make full use of the lignin and to broaden the application of PBS. At the same time, it also provides a new idea for the production and preparation of completely biodegradable materials.