Nanocomposites combustion peculiarities. A case history: Polylactide-clays

► The presence of clay in the PLA matrix favours ignition. ► The ignition is attributed to catalysed oxidation of the gases generated by PLA decomposition. ► The catalytic effect avoids the unstable burning stage in LOI nanocomposite testing. ► The presence of clay decreases PLA combustion rate both in the cone calorimeter and in LOI apparatus.