A presentation given on the research proposal paper produced for advancing the flame retardant properties of biocomposites.

2.  Biocomposites are completely biodegradable
and recyclable
 Generally are produced from renewable
resources
 Offer ‘eco-friendly’ alternatives to traditional
composites

3.  Both matrix and fibers have low thermal
resistance
 Safety requirements prohibit the use of
Biocomposites
 Flammability, evolution of smoke and harmful
gases

4.  Polymer additives
◦ Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP)
◦ Expanded Graphite (EG)
◦ Aluminum Trihydrate
◦ Magnesium Hydroxide
 Fiber treatments and modifications
◦ Diammonium phosphate (DAP)
◦ Tin based chemical treatments
◦ Acetylation
◦ Grafting techniques

5.  Improve flammability properties of
biocomposites
 Retain biodegradability
 Further characterize effects of EG and APP
additives

6.  Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)
◦ Biodegradable
◦ Produced from renewable resources
 Expanded Graphite (EG)
◦ Environmentally friendly
◦ Endothermic in combustion
◦ Effective smoke suppressant.
◦ Useful in PLA to increase thermal stability
Schartel, B., Braun, U., et al., Fire retardancy of polypropylene/flax blends. Polymer, 2003.
44(20): p. 6241-6250.
Murariu, M., Dechief, A.L., et al., The production and properties of polylactide composites filled
with expanded graphite. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2010. 95(5): p. 889-900.

7.  Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP)
◦ Non-melting, biodegradable solid
◦ Typically used in intumescent coatings
◦ Used in a PLA biocomposite as flame retardant
 Fibers – Coir/Flax
◦ Flax – higher decomposition temperature
◦ Coir – chemical composition promotes lower
flammability
Schartel, B., Braun, U., et al., Fire retardancy of polypropylene/flax blends. Polymer, 2003.
44(20): p. 6241-6250.
Shumao, L., Jie, R., et al., Influence of ammonium polyphosphate on the flame retardancy and
mechanical properties of ramie fiber-reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites. Polymer
International, 2010. 59(2): p. 242-248.

8. Sample % EG % APP
Flax000 0 0
Flax400 4 0
Flax015 0 15
Flax415 4 15
Coir000 0 0
Coir400 4 0
Coir015 0 15
Coir415 4 15

9.  Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
◦ Weight change relative to temperature change (constant
heating rate) or time (isothermal)
 Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
◦ Reveals chemical and structural changes
 Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR)
Spectroscopy
◦ Characterization of evolved gases during combustion
 Limited Oxygen Index (LOI) and Vertical Burn
◦ Comparison of burn rates and properties

10.  Composite fabrication
◦ Uniformity
◦ Matrix/fiber compatibility
 Testing
◦ Out-of-house TGA/DSC/FTIR
◦ University of Central Florida