Enhancing flame retardancy and smoke suppression of lignocellulose through modification with green aqueous flame retardants

Developing efficient and environmentally friendly lignocellulose-based functional composites is essential for mitigating the environmental challenges posed by conventional materials. This work proposes an innovative method for synthesizing an aqueous flame retardant (PAA) using ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium borate, and boric acid to modify lignocellulose. By precisely controlling the proportion of components and reaction conditions, the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of lignocellulose are improved without compromising its environmental sustainability. The modified lignocellulose achieved a significant 31.1 % reduction in total heat release and a remarkable 95.7 % reduction in total smoke generation. The modified lignocellulose exhibits a 42.6 % increase in the time required to reach maximum heat release and a 40.4 % increase in the time to reach maximum smoke emission, compared to unmodified lignocellulose, thereby allowing more time for rescue efforts. The synergistic effects of these additives enhanced the material's performance, suggesting significant improvements in its fire-resistant properties compared to untreated lignocellulose. The modified lignocellulose exhibits good thermal stability and excellent carbonization functionality. • Aqueous chemical modification achieved sustainable lignocellulose production. • APP-BAA-BA linked to lignocellulose via electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding. • APP-BAA-BA flame retardants boost thermal stability and effectively suppress smoke. • PAA composites showed excellent flame resistance, stability, and strength.