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The PLA/OMMT nanocomposites were produced using a melt compounding technique with isopropylated triaryl phosphate ester flame retardant (FR; 10-30 parts per 100 resin). The flammability of the PLA/OMMT composites was evaluated with an Underwriter Laboratory (UL-94) vertical burning test, and their char morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal properties of the PLA/OMMT were characterized with a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The thermal analyses showed that adding FR reduced the decomposition onset temperature (T o ) of PLA/ OMMT. Both PLA/OMMT/FR20 and PLA/OMMT/FR30 showed excellent flame retardant abilities, earning a V-0 rating during the UL-94 vertical burning test. A compact, coherent and continuous protective char layer was formed in the PLA/OMMT/FR nanocomposites. Additionally, the DSC results indicated that the flexibility of the PLA/OMMT composites increased after adding FR due to the FR-induced plasticization. The impact strength of PLA/OMMT was greatly increased by the addition of FR. Flexible PLA nanocomposites with high flame resistance were successfully produced.

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