DOPO-Decorated Two-Dimensional MXene Nanosheets for Flame-Retardant, Ultraviolet-Protective, and Reinforced Polylactide Composites

This study presents a novel and facile strategy for fabricating fire-resistant, ultraviolet (UV)-shielding, and tensile-enhanced polylactide (PLA) composites using two-dimensional (2D) MXene (Ti₃C₂) flakes chemically modified with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO). The thermal and burning performances of PLA composites were demonstrated by the limiting oxygen index, UL-94 test, and cone calorimetry. The UV-shielding and tensile performances were also examined. The results revealed that PLA/Ti₃C₂-DOPO (3 wt %) displayed a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. The enhancement against fire hazard was reflected by the significant reduction in the peak heat release rate (33.7%), total heat release (47%), peak CO production (58.8%), and total smoke production (41.7%). The improved fire-safety performance of the composites is attributed to the interplay of catalytic, barrier, and condensed effects of the Ti₃C₂-DOPO nanosheets in the PLA matrix. PLA/Ti₃C₂-DOPO also showed an increase (∼9%) in tensile strength and an "Excellent" level (UPF 50+) in the UV-protection assessment. In all, this study introduces a novel chemical modification strategy for 2D MXene flakes to fabricate multifunctional PLA composites, which are promising candidates for next-generation sustainable and protective plastic products.