Influence of Fe-MMT on the fire retarding behavior and mechanical property of (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer/magnesium hydroxide) composite

In this work, Fe-montmorillonite (Fe-MMT) is synthesized and used as a synergistic agent in ethylene vinyl acetate/magnesium hydroxide (EVA/MH) flame retardant formulations. The synergistic effect of Fe-MMT with magnesium hydroxide (MH) as the halogen-free flame retardant for ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting the oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, and cone calorimetry test. Compared with that of Na-MMT, it indicates that the synergistic effects of Fe-MMT enhance the LOI value of EVA/MH polymer and improve the thermal stability and reduce the heat release rate (HRR). The structure and morphology of nanocomposites are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties of the EVA composites have also been studied here, indicating that the use of Fe-MMT reduces the amount of inorganic fillers. MH hence enhances the mechanical properties of the EVA composite while keeping the UL-94 V-0 rating. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.