title: Review on flammability of biofibres and biocomposites.
abstract: The subject on flammability properties of natural fibre-reinforced biopolymer composites has not been broadly researched. This is not only evidenced by the minimal use of biopolymer composites and/or blends in different engineering areas where fire risk and hazard to both human and structures is of critical concern, but also the limited amount of published scientific work on the subject. Therefore, it is necessary to expand knowledge on the flammability properties of biopolymers and add value in widening the range of their application. This paper reviews the literature on the recent developments on flammability studies of bio-fibres, biopolymers and natural fibre-reinforced biocomposites. It also covers the different types of flame retardants (FRs) used and their mechanisms, and discusses the principles and methodology of various flammability testing techniques.
authors.affiliation: CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites Competence Area, P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa. Electronic address: MMngomezulu1@csir.co.za.
authors.forename: Mfiso E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Mngomezulu
authors.affiliation: CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites Competence Area, P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 1600, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa. Electronic address: MJohn@csir.co.za.
authors.forename: Maya J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: John
authors.affiliation: CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers and Composites Competence Area, P.O. Box 1124, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa; Department of Textile Science, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 1600, Port Elizabeth 6000, South Africa. Electronic address: VJacobs@csir.co.za.
authors.forename: Valencia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State (Qwaqwa Campus), Private Bag X13, Phuthaditjhaba 9866, South Africa. Electronic address: LuytAS@qwa.ufs.ac.za.
authors.forename: Adriaan S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Luyt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D002072:Butylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D002151:Calorimetry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates
chemical_list: D001704:Biopolymers; D002072:Butylene Glycols; D005411:Flame Retardants; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C089797:bionole; C052620:poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate); D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates; C016240:polycaprolactone
keywords: Biopolymers; Composite; Flame retardants; Flammability; Natural fibre