Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets Incorporated Hierarchical Hydrogen Bonding Polymer Networks for Transparent and Fire-Proof Ceramizable Coatings

• A transparent and ceramizable coating was developed by incorporating nano-layered double hydroxide nanosheets into hierarchical hydrogen bonding polymer networks. • The resulting coating composites demonstrated excellent high-temperature stability and fire resistance, effectively withstanding direct exposure to a butane flame (~1100 °C) in air atmosphere. • A ~100 μm thick coating increased the limiting oxygen index of wood to 37.3%, reduced total heat release by 78.6%, and maintained low smoke toxicity (CITG = 0.016). • The mechanisms behind the flame-retardant behavior and ceramicization behaviors were thoroughly investigated and explained.