Structural Characterization of LDPE/EVA Blends Containing Nanoclay-Flame Retardant Combinations

The combination of different types of organo-modified montmorillonite (MMT) with aluminum hydroxide (aluminum trihydrate-ATH), as a flame retardant system for polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA), blends were studied. Five different types of organically modified montmorillonite clays, each with different modifier, were used. The structural characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (STEM). The mechanical and rheological properties were also evaluated. The XRD analysis showed a clear displacement of the d(001) signal, which indicates a good degree of intercalation, especially for the MMT-I28 and MMT-20, from Nanocor and Southern Clay Products, respectively. The presence of ATH and the compatibilizer did not have any effect on the exfoliation of the studied samples. The thermal stability and flame retardant properties were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI-ASTM D2863), and flammability tests (Underwriters Laboratory-UL-94). The effect of different compatibilizers on the clay dispersion and exfoliation was studied. The results indicated that the addition of montmorillonite makes it possible to substitute part of the ATH filler content while maintaining the flame retardant requirements. The thermal stability of MMT/ATH-filled LDPE/EVA blends presented a slight increase over the reference ATH-filled LDPE/EVA blend. Compositions with higher clay content (10 wt %) showed better physicochemical properties. The increased stability of the higher clay content compositions results from the greater inorganic residual formation; this material has been reported to impart better performance in flammability tests. The mechanical properties and flame retardancy remained similar to those of the reference compound. The reduced ATH content resulted in lower viscosities and densities, facilitating the processing of the polymer/ATH/clay compounds. Extrusion of these compounds produced a lower pressure in the extrusion head and required reduced electrical power consumption. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1125-1136, 2012