Influence of glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS-g-GMA) on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of water hyacinth fiber/ammonium polyphosphate/poly (butylene succinate) composites

In this study, water hyacinth fiber (WHF) was used as a carbon source in combination with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to formulate an environmentally friendly intumescent flame retardant for poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) composites. Glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS-g-GMA) was prepared via a reactive melt grafting reaction to serve as a compatibilizer for WHF/APP/PBS composites. Effects of incorporating APP and WHF, and PBS-g-GMA on mechanical properties, thermal properties and flame retardancy of PBS composites were investigated. Results showed that the addition of PBS-g-GMA greatly improved tensile strength, flexural strength and crystallization rate of WHF/APP/PBS composites. According to UL-94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, the presence of 15 wt% WHF, 30 wt% APP, and 15 wt% PBS-g-GMA enabled the WHF/APP/15PBS-g-GMA/PBS composite to achieve a V-0 rating and the maximum LOI value of 29.2%. Char residue analysis revealed that the combination of APP and WHF promoted the formation of an expanded char layer, whereas the addition of PBS-g-GMA induced the formation of compact, highly graphitized residues. Findings will contribute to the development of biodegradable flame-retardant polymer composites for engineering applications.

Automated summary

Water hyacinth fiber and ammonium polyphosphate were used to formulate an environmentally friendly intumescent flame retardant for poly (butylene succinate) composites. The addition of glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) significantly improved the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. The combination of APP and WHF promoted the formation of an expanded char layer, while PBS-g-GMA induced the formation of compact, highly graphitized residues. The findings contribute to the development of biodegradable flame-retardant polymer composites.