Strategic insights of imparting flame retardancy into nano-cellulosic materials: A review

Nanocellulose (NC) is a biomaterial with prospective use as a futuristic material. NC-based materials have several diverse uses, and their demand is growing every year. However, because of their highly flammable nature, the use of NC in harsh settings is greatly restricted. Hence, it is crucial to minimize the risk of fire caused by NC-based materials to maintain a superior level of performance. To diminish the inherent flammability of these substances, flame-retardant elements are often added as additives to produce flame-retardant nanocomposites. Hence, in this review, we have provided a comprehensive summary of the characteristics of NC and the principles and categorization of flame retardants. Subsequently, we have discussed the methods used for the synthesis and characterization of NC-based flame-retardant materials. It also delves into the historical progressions in these materials, intending to enhance the ability to resist flames. The article investigates the fire resistance properties of several materials based on NC, including aerogels, coatings, films, and textiles. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the future directions and advancements in multi-functional flame-retardant NC materials, with a focus on their potential applications in harsh situations.