Future materials in the field of thermoplastics require a lower impact on the environment. Actual thermoplastic materials also require "greener" additives for thermal and fire resistance profile. In this work, some of the recent solutions for halogen-free flame retardants were discussed in the context of viable routes with economical and industrial relevance. The fire retardant mechanism was discussed in order to imagine new solutions for future additives. Some of the main (inorganic, organic or hybrid) flame retardants can be used as common platform for the next classes of thermoplastic composites (synthetic, natural, or bio-based). The new generation of flame retardants (based on the emerging solutions) will have to surpass two major barriers: the cost effectiveness and the need for high concentration (which usually affects other properties).

This work aims at developing polyamide 1010 (PA1010) composites with improved fire behavior using a halogen-free flame-retardant system based on melamine (Me) and gallic acid (GA) complexes (MA). The MA complexes were formed by hydrogen bonding, starting from 1:2, 1:1, 2:1 Me:GA molar ratios. PA1010 composites were obtained by melt mixing, followed by compression molding. MA provided a plasticizing effect on the PA1010 matrix by decreasing the glass transition temperature. The influence of MA on PA1010 chain packaging was highlighted in the X-ray diffraction patterns, mainly in the amorphous phase, but affected also the α and γ planes. This was reflected in the dynamic mechanical properties by the reduction of the storage modulus. H-bonds occurrence in MA complexes, improved the efficiency in the gaseous form during fire exposure, facilitating the gas formation and finally reflected in thermal stability, thermo-oxidative stability, LOI results, and vertical burning behavior results. PA1010 containing a higher amount of GA in the complex (MA12) displayed a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 33.6%, much higher when compared to neat PA1010 (25.8%). Vertical burning tests showed that all the composites can achieve the V-0 rating in contrast with neat PA1010 that has V-2 classification.