Biomaterials as Green Flame Retardants

Flame-retardants (FR) are essential for improving the combustibility of different materials. However, conventional flame retardants commonly contain toxic and environmentally hazardous substances environment making the development of sustainable and renewable alternatives critical. Lignin, chitosan, and starch are natural polymers derived from plant and seafood sources with significant potential in the development of green flame-retardants. Various mechanisms which includes char formation, gas-phase inhibition, and heat absorption, enable these materials to be used as flame retardants. This chapter focuses on the chemical structures, sources and modification of these bio-based materials, as well as the impact on flame retardancy. The modification of these polymers are being investigated, which demonstrate how incorporating with additives can improve their flame retardancy while eliminating fire dangers, in addition to overcome environmental concerns showed by conventional flame retardants. When modified, they exhibit promising flame-retardant properties, making them ideal candidates for green flame retardant formulations. They are promising candidates for green flame retardant compounds as their composition can be modified to exhibit promising flame-retardant qualities. The chapter further addresses current developments, problems, and future prospective future, underlining the significance of bio-based materials in promoting green flame retardant technology.