Microfibrous cyclodextrin boosts flame retardancy of poly(lactic acid)

2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) microfibres with diameters ranging between 3 and 7 µm were prepared by aqueous solution based high-speed electrospinning (HSES) technique then used as carbonising agent at wt% loading besides 15 ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to obtain flame-retarded poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. The high specific surface area of the microfibrous HP-β-CD was found have a crucial role in its flame retardant efficiency. Compared effect same amount conventional powder additive, resulted higher char yields both during thermogravimetric analysis cone calorimeter test accompanied significantly increased mechanical resistance consequently improved retarding efficacy. Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) intumescent PLA composite noticeably, from 29.0% 32.5%, while Flame Retardancy (FRI), determined calorimetry data, 1.9 (with HP-β-CD) 2.6 only changing physical form i.e. HP-β-CD. advantage special structure oligosaccharide type charring lies efficient interaction APP attribution layer thermal without compromising swelling ability. Besides, also contributed improvement performance retarded