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Lignin-Derived Flame Retardants for Enhanced Fire Safety: A Review

delete2026-04-27
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OA
AI
E
Elif Kaynak *
I
Igor Wachter
V
Vigneshwaran Shanmugam
N
Nurul Zuhairah Mahmud Zuhudi
O
Oisik Das *
DOI:10.1002/mame.70223delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Increasing concerns and regulatory restrictions associated with conventional flame retardants have driven research into halogen-free and bio-based alternatives that combine fire safety with reduced environmental impact. Lignin, a macromolecule prevalent in biomass, has emerged as a promising candidate for flame-retardant applications owing to its intrinsic charring ability, high carbon content, and chemical versatility. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of lignin-derived flame retardants, addressing fire behavior assessment, structure–property relationships, flame-retardant mechanisms, and practical applications in polymers, coatings, textiles, and construction materials. The influence of plant origin and extraction method on thermal decomposition, char formation, and combustion behavior is discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on condensed-phase mechanisms governing fire performance. Strategies employing unmodified lignin, chemically modified lignin (phosphorus-, nitrogen-, and silicon-containing systems), lignin-containing intumescent formulations, and lignin-derived nanocomposites are systematically reviewed. Their effects on flammability metrics, heat release characteristics, smoke suppression, and mechanical performance are critically assessed. While lignin-based systems demonstrate significant potential to reduce heat release and enhance char stability, challenges remain related to dispersion, compatibility, processing stability, and the sustainability of modification routes.
Keywords:
fire-safety
flame retardants
lignin
macromolecules
polymers

Journal

MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING cover
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
IF:
4.6
Papers:
4.1K
Citations:
9.5K

Organization

S
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava
Scholars:
221
Papers: 85
Citations: 0
U
universiti kuala lumpur
Scholars:
39
Papers: 21
Citations: 0
L
Lulea University of Technology
Scholars:
4.1K
Papers: 4.9K
Citations: 7.1K
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