Enhancing fire-resistant performance and mechanical property of PLA/PCL composite films by the synergistic effect of BC–NPA and MXene

Abstract

It is a challenging task to construct PLA/PCL-based composite materials with both flame resistant properties and excellent mechanical performance. To address this issue, MXene was hybridized with BC-NPA obtained by grafting N and P on BC to form MXene/BC-NPA, which was then introduced into the PLA/PCL matrix. After solvent volatilization, PLA/PCL/BC-NPA/MXene hybrid films were prepared. This approach not only enhanced the mechanical properties of the hybrid films but also established a synergistic flame-resistant system, thereby further improving their flame-resistant performance. The resulting PLA/PCL/BC-NPA/MXene film achieved a tensile strength of 17.47 MPa and an elongation at break of 240.75 %, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the PLA/PCL/BC-NPA film. Additionally, the flame-resistant performance of the composite film was further enhanced. With the incorporation of 2.5 % MXene, the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) value of the composite film increased to 32.9 vol%, achieving a UL94 rating of VTM0. The heat release (HR) was only 301.90 J/g·K, and the Peak Heat Release Rate (PHRR) was 206.04 W/g, representing reductions of 12.5 % and 11.0 %, respectively, compared to the PLA/PCL/BC-NPA film. This study provides a new strategy for developing high flame resistant and high-strength PLA/PCL-based composite materials, which is beneficial for expanding the application fields of biodegradable plastics.