Bio-sourced Flame Retardants for textiles: where we are and where we are going

After the period of halogenated compounds, the period of nano-structured systems, and that of phosphorus (and nitrogen)-based additives (still in progress), following the increasingly demanding circular economy concept, about ten years ago the textile flame retardant world started experiencing the design and exploitation of bio-sourced products. Indeed, since the demonstration of the potential of such bio(macro)molecules as whey proteins, milk proteins (i.e., caseins), and nucleic acids as effective flame retardants, both natural and synthetic fibers and fabrics can take advantage of the availability of several low-environmental impact/“green” compounds, often recovered from wastes or by-products, which contain all the elements that typically compose standard flame-retardant recipes. The so-treated textiles often exhibit flame-retardant features that are similar to those provided by conventional fireproof treatments. Further, the possibility of using the same deposition techniques already available in the textile industry makes these products very appealing, considering that the application methods usually do not require hazardous or toxic chemicals. This review aims to present an overview of the development of bio-sourced flame retardants, focusing attention on the latest research outcomes, and finally discussing some current challenging issues related to their efficient application, paving the way toward further future implementations.