Development and experimental examination of biobased flame retardants for polylactic acid

In the course of this bachelor's thesis, an investigation was undertaken into the properties of an innovative flame retardant (FR) biocompatible composite material characterized by its composition based on phytate and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Employing attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarization microscopy, tensile testing and UL-94 vertical flame test, an analysis was conducted to determine optimal parameters crucial for the structural and functional aspects of these composites. The outcomes of this research outlined optimal synthesis conditions for chitosan phytate, PLA-modified chitosan phytate and polyvinyl amine phytate, identified key findings such as synergetic effect in usage of intumescent flame retardances as additives which improved PLA properties and combustion behavior. Moreover, end composites achieved a greater flammability classification UL-94 V-0 compared to pure PLA L105 with class UL-94 V-2. It was found out that composites PLA L105 with chitosan-based exhibited most advantageous properties along with great self-extinguishing characteristics. In the realm of terminology, this study encompasses following key terms: polylactide, phytates, chitosan, polyvinyl amine, biobased flame retardants, synergistic effect, biocompatibility, biopolymers.