Abstract: Znic phenylphosphinate (ZnP) was synthesized by a coprecipitation method, and then a series of polylactide (PLA)/ZnP compounds were prepared by melt blending. The effect of ZnP on the thermal stability, flame retardancy and combustion characteristics of PLA/ZnP compounds were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning experiment and microscale combustion calorimeter. The results indicated that the incorporation of ZnP improved the degradation temperature and char yield of the compounds, and the degradation temperature increased by 8 ℃ with the addition of 30 wt% ZnP compared to pure PLA. The compounds also achieved a char yield of 18.5 wt% at 750 ℃. Most of all, ZnP could enhance the flame retardancy of PLA, and a UL94 V-2 classification and an LOI of 24.0 vol% were achieved for the compound containing 30 wt% of ZnP. The peak heat release rate of the compounds was also reduced by 24.9 % compared to pure PLA, indicating a significant improvement in fire safety.