Inhibitory action of flame retardant on the dynamic evolution of asphalt pyrolysis volatiles

► The pyrolysis behavior and mechanism of asphalt binder in N2 were investigated. ► The thermal stability of asphalt materials is improved by MH in a timely manner. ► The flame retardancy and fire safety of asphalt materials were elevated by blended MH. ► Inhibitory effects of MH on the dynamic evolution of main volatiles was analyzed. ► The flame-retarding mechanism of MH on asphalt binder was studied at a lower loading.