Flame retardant properties of EVA-nanocomposites and improvements by combination of nanofillers with aluminium trihydrate

Flame retardant nanocomposites are synthesized by melt-blending ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) with modified layered silicates (montmorillonites). Thermo gravimetric analysis performed under different atmospheres (nitrogen and air) demonstrated a clear increase in the thermal stability of the layered silicate-based nanocomposites. The use of the cone calorimeter to investigate the fire properties of the materials indicated that the nanocomposites caused a large decrease in heat release. The char-formation is the main factor important for improvement and its function is outlined. Further improvements of the flame retardancy by combinations of nanotillers and traditional FR-additives on the basis of metal hydroxides were also studied. Copyright, (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.