Flame-Retardant Systems Based on Chitosan and Its Derivatives: State of the Art and Perspectives

Abstract

During the last decade, the utilization of chitin, and in par0ticular its deacetylated form, i.e. chitosan, for flame retardant purposes, has represented quite a novel and interesting application, very far from the established uses of this bio-sourced material. In this context, chitosan is a carbon source that can be successfully exploited, often in combination with intumescent products, in order to provide different polymer systems (namely, bulky materials, fabrics and foams) with high flame retardant (FR) features. Besides, this specific use of chitosan in flame retardance is well suited to a green and sustainable approach. This review aims to summarize the recent advances concerning the utilization of chitosan as a key component in the design of efficient flame retardant systems for different polymeric materials.

Chitosan and nano-TiO2 coating improves the flame retardancy of dyed and undyed denim fabrics by increasing the charring

“…Nano-TiO 2 particles added into the chitosan coating cooled the pyrolysis region on the fabric surface with a synergetic effect and caused endothermic degradation. 16,19 Chitosan contains nitrogen in its structure. In combustion reactions, nitrogen does not give off heat and reacts by taking heat.…”

“…Research over the last decade has shown that some biological macromolecules and bio-origin products can be used to design “green” and effective flame retardants 16 Therefore, studies have focused on green biocomposites. 17 Chitosan, a green biopolymer, is preferred for surface modification in textile processes due to its cationic structure, unique biological properties and low cost.…”

“…The chemical structure and green nature of chitosan 30 show that it can be successfully used in designing effective flame retardant systems with low environmental impact. 16 In addition to these, chitosan coatings are preferred in terms of providing a better moisture balance between fabric and skin, improving the surface properties of the fabric and increasing its comfort properties. 31 Nano-TiO 2 is also used to provide textile fibers with various functions, such as photocatalytic, antimicrobial activity, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, ultraviolet protection, antistatic properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy.…”

Sustainable Materials and their Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Critical Review Based on an Italian Example

“…The chitosan and its derivatives [ 56 ] have been used in several biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, and also as textile and in wastewater treatments. Between one third and one half of the world food production is not consumed [ 57 , 58 ].…”

The Preparation and Characterization of Polylactic Acid Composites with Chitin-Based Intumescent Flame Retardants

“…Though CH has recently enjoyed tremendous popularity as a flame retardant, its matrix, chitin, has not attracted enough attention in the field of fire science. Chitin is also a key polysaccharide and the second most important natural polymer in the world after cellulose, and is mainly extracted from crab and shrimp shells [30]. Once chitin suffers a deacetylation process, CH is obtained.…”