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Lignin-based flame retardant containing nitrogen and phosphorus coordinated by Fe3+ for TPU
Xinrui Meng1, Yuhan Liu2, Yongqian Fu3
1School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, 2055 Yanan Street, Changchun, 130012, PR China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|January 3, 2026
Summary
A novel lignin-based flame retardant (LEAD@Fe) with Fe3+ was developed to improve thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) safety. This eco-friendly additive significantly reduces heat release, smoke, and toxic gas emissions during combustion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has high flammability, limiting its applications.
- Lignin, a renewable polymer from biomass, offers inherent charring properties and aligns with green chemistry principles.
- Lignin is a potential precursor for intumescent flame retardants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a lignin-based intumescent flame retardant (LEAD@Fe) incorporating Fe3+ for enhanced TPU flame retardancy.
- To investigate the mechanism of flame retardancy and its effect on TPU properties.
- To provide an eco-friendly and efficient flame retardant solution for TPU.
Main Methods:
- Lignin was epoxidated and aminated, then reacted with a phosphorus monomer and iron salt to create LEAD@Fe.
- LEAD@Fe was incorporated into TPU to assess its flame retardant performance.
- Combustion behavior, including peak heat release rate (PHRR), peak smoke production rate (PSPR), and toxic gas emissions, was analyzed.
- The interaction between LEAD@Fe and TPU was studied to understand the mechanism.
Main Results:
- LEAD@Fe formation involved catalytic conversion of lignin into a robust carbon layer with phosphorus and nitrogen, facilitated by Fe3+.
- Fe3+ catalyzed the reduction of flammable gas generation and iron oxides enhanced TPU thermal stability.
- TPU with 7% LEAD@Fe showed significant reductions: 45.2% in PHRR, 54.5% in PSPR, and 59.0% in toxic gas emissions.
- Strong hydrogen bonding between LEAD@Fe and TPU chains contributed to robust performance and preserved mechanical properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed lignin-based intumescent flame retardant (LEAD@Fe) effectively enhances the flame retardancy of TPU.
- LEAD@Fe offers an eco-friendly and efficient strategy for reducing fire hazards in TPU while maintaining its mechanical integrity.
- This approach provides a sustainable solution for broadening the application of TPU in various industries.
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