JOURNAL ARTICLE

Development of flame retardants for poly(lactic acid) bioplastics using bio-based oil.

  • Published In: Polymers from Renewable Resources, 2026, v. 17, n. 2. P. 131 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Khankrua, Rattikarn; Nekhamanurak, Bawornkit; Niamlang, Pimolpun; Suttiruengwong, Supakij; Triamnak, Narit 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the development of a bio-based flame retardant, soybean oil phosphate ester (SOPE), synthesized from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) to enhance the flame retardancy of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Incorporation of SOPE into PLA at low loadings (0.5–2 phr) significantly improved flame retardant performance, achieving a UL-94 V-0 rating and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 26.4% at 2 phr, primarily through a gas-phase radical trapping mechanism involving phosphorus-containing radicals. However, the acidic nature of SOPE promoted hydrolytic degradation of PLA, leading to reduced molecular weight and mechanical properties. These findings suggest that SOPE is an effective bio-based flame retardant for PLA, with potential applications in bioplastics, though further work is needed to address mechanical property retention.

Additional Information

  • Source:Polymers from Renewable Resources. 2026/05, Vol. 17, Issue 2, p131
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Chemistry
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:2041-2479
  • DOI:10.1177/20412479261433827
  • Accession Number:192559079
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