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• Novel layered MXene-PPDA-6 was rationally designed and synthesized. • The addition of 1.0 wt% of MXene-PPDA-6 hybrid significantly increases both thermal stability and flame retardancy of PLA. • The MXene-PPDA-6 hybrid can improve the toughness of PLA. The creation of thermostable, flame-retardant, mechanically robust bioplastics is highly desirable in the industry as one sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Unfortunately, to date there lacks an effective strategy to endow commercial bioplastics, such as polylactide (PLA) with such desired integrated performances. Herein, we have demonstrated the fabrication of a novel MXene-phenyl phosphonic diaminohexane (MXene-PPDA) nanohybrid via the intercalation of PPDA into the MXene interlayer. The interlayer spacing of MXene nanosheets is enlarged and as-prepared MXene-PPDA is homogeneously dispersed in the PLA matrix. Incorporating 1.0 wt% MXene-PPDA enables PLA to achieve a UL-94 V-0 rating, with a ~22.2% reduction in peak heat release rate, indicating a significantly improved flame retardancy. Meanwhile, the 1.0 wt% MXene-PPDA also increases the initial decomposition temperature of PLA composite, giving rise to a ~25-fold enhancement in char yield relative to pure PLA. Additionally, the MXene-PPDA enhances the toughness while retains the mechanical strength for PLA. This work offers an innovative strategy for the design of multifunctional additives and the creation of high-performance polymers with high thermal stability, mechanical robustness and low flammability, expecting to find many practical applications in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multifunctional nanohybrid (FeHP@GO) has been prepared via a facile and scalable approach. • Adding 1 wt% FeHP@GO significantly improves fire retardancy and mechanical properties of EP. • The EP/FeHP@GO sample shows superior flame retardancy and mechanical property to previous work. • The thermal conductivity of EP/FeHP@GO nanocomposites are also dramatically improved. The epoxy (EP) resin is being intensively applied in electronics packaging, the 5th generation communication technology (5G) and composite tanks for pressurized hydrogen fuel storage. For these applications, to date it has remained a grand challenge for EP to achieve a demanding property portfolio, e.g., the combination of satisfactory fire retardancy, high thermal conductivity (λ) and excellent mechanical properties. Herein, we report an iron phenylphosphinate-functionalized graphene oxide (FeHP@GO) nanohybrid by a facile yet scalable in-situ self-assembly method. Compared to the virgin EP, the EP nanocomposite with 2.0 wt% of FeHP@GO shows 42.5 % improvement in the limiting oxygen index (LOI), 46.2 % and 23.5 % reductions in the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release rate (THR), respectively, and a desired UL-94 V-0 rating. In addition, the resultant EP nanocomposite also exhibits improved tensile strength and λ (increased by 32.6 % and 96.0 %, respectively) relative to virgin EP. Such desirable integrated performances outperform those of the previously-reported EP counterparts, because of the multiple synergistic effects between FeHP and GO. This work provides an innovative strategy for the design of multifunctional EP nanocomposites, which holds the great promise for many industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Multifunctional P/Ni-doped g-C 3 N 4 (Ni-P-C 3 N 4) nanoflakes were synthesized. • Ni-P-C 3 N 4 can be homogeneously dispersed in ABS by simple melt-blending. • Ni-P-C 3 N 4 endowed ABS with enhanced thermal stability and mechanical strength. • Ni-P-C 3 N 4 significantly improved the flame retardancy and smoke suppression of ABS. The ubiquitous application of highly flammable acrylonitrile–butadienestyrene (ABS) resin has brought great fire threat to human and environment. Unfortunately, current flame retardants often improve flame retardancy but reduce mechanical and thermal properties, seriously affecting their practical application. We herein reported novel multifunctional, high-efficiency, phosphorus and nickel co-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Ni-P-C 3 N 4) nanoflakes to address the trade-off between flame retardancy and mechanical/thermal properties. The addition of 2.0wt% of Ni-P-C 3 N 4 increased the initial degradation temperature and tensile strength of ABS composite (ABS/Ni-P-CN2) by 15 °C and 24.3% relative to virgin ABS, indicating its positive effect on thermal and mechanical properties. Compared with ABS, ABS/Ni-P-CN2 exhibited a notable increase in time to ignition, along with 32.4% and 33.8% reductions in peak heat release rate (PHRR) and peak smoke production rate (PSPR), demonstrating excellent anti-ignition, flame-retardant and smoke-suppressive performances. The increased fire safety was mainly due to the physical barrier effect of g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets and the catalytic charring effect of P and Ni. This work offers a novel design strategy to create multifunctional flame retardants for fabricating fire-safe polymer composites with superior thermal and mechanical properties, holding great potential in industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]