Microfiber synthetic leather (MSL) as a fiber reinforced composite has famous application. However, its highly flammability as well as melt-dripping need to be solved. Currently, enhancing the flame retardancy of MSL is still challenging. In this study, we developed a phosphorus/boron hybrid polysiloxane coating on MSL by co-depositing phosphorus-based polysiloxane (PDPTES) and boric acid (BA), creating a multi-element synergistic flame-retardant system. By decorating with phosphorus/boron hybrid polysiloxanes, the modified MSLs with PDPTES and PDPTES-BA achieved a limited oxygen index (LOI) of 27.0 % and 28.8 %, achieving self-extinguishing ability with short damage length and no melt-dripping in vertical flammability test (VFT). Both PDPTES and PDPTES-BA well-maintained the good thermal stability of MSL and char residues at high temperature was obviously increased. The incorporation of BA could enhance the char-forming ability of PDPTES modified MSL. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of MSL-PDPTES-BA was 20 % and 25 %, respectively. This multi-elemental flame retardant system owned both condensed and gaseous phase action by strengthening the carbonization effects, reducing the release of combustible volatiles and releasing silicon/phosphorus/boron-containing fragments. Additionally, the modification of PDPTES and PDPTES-BA has little effect on the air permeability of MSL. Thus, this work provides a suitable strategy for developing microfiber synthetic leather with good flame-retardant performance.
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