No abstract

Two phosphorus-based molecules were grafted onto flax fibers through electron beam irradiation in order to impart flame retardancy to flax fabrics. Fabrics were impregnated by dipping them into a solution containing a phosphonated monomer: dimethyl(methacryloxy)methyl phosphonate (MAPC1) or dimethylvinyl phosphonate (MVP). Then fabrics were irradiated at a dose ranging between 10 and 100 kGy. The grafting efficiency was found to be dependent on the molecule concentration in the impregnation solution, on the radiation dose and on the nature of the monomer. In particular, it has been observed that MAPC1 is grafted only onto the surface while MVP is also grafted into the bulk leading to high phosphorus content (4 wt%). Flame retardancy of the modified flax fibers, fabrics and polyester thermoset composites containing these fabrics were also investigated. High phosphorus content allows fabrics to achieve self-extinguishing behavior. The flammability of composites in cone calorimeter test is also reduced, even if the thermoset is not flame retarded itself.

a b s t r a c tLignin was used as flame retardant for polybutylene succinate (PBS) biopolyester. Lignin was first demonstrated to weakly contribute to material flammability due to a high charring ability and a low heat release when burning. Alkali lignin was proved to be more interesting than organosolv lignin due to the release of sulfur dioxide during decomposition. When incorporated at a 20%wt loading in PBS, alkali lignin significantly reduces pHRR and promotes a thick charring behavior. Alkali lignin was successfully surface modified by grafting molecular or macromolecular phosphorous compounds. When blended with PBS, modified lignin was highlighted to further increase the barrier effect. Char promotion is accelerated and the resulting charred layer exhibits a higher cohesivity. Modified lignin appears as an interesting biobased flame retardant component.