Comparison of blending and bonding of phytic acid arginine salt and cellulose nanofibers on their synergistic flame-retardant effect in poly (butylene succinate)

In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were utilized as a synergistic agent, and combined with phytic acid arginine salt (PaArg) via blending and bonding. The effects of these different binding techniques of CNFs and PaArg on the flame retardant and mechanical properties of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) were explored. The results indicated that both blended and bonded CNFs and PaArg enabled PBS composites to achieve a UL 94 V-0 rating, with the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the composite exceeding 28 %. When 20.5 % PaArg and 4.5 % CNFs were blended into PBS, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of the composite decreased by 44.7 % compared to pure PBS. When the same content of hydrogen-bonded PaArg and CNFs(20.5PaArg-4.5CNFs) were added into PBS, the PHRR of the composite (PBS/20.5PaArg-4.5CNFs) reduced by 45.7 %. And it also exhibited a smaller fire growth index (FGI), enhancing the fire safety of the PBS composite. The incorporation of CNFs also improved the bending strength and impact strength of PBS. Specifically, the hydrogen bond between PaArg and CNFs demonstrated superior binding effects. Compared to the PBS/25PaArg composite, the bending strength and impact strength of the PBS/20.5PaArg-4.5CNFs composite were increased by 41.9 % and 82.1 %, respectively.