Preparation and flame retardant properties of EVA/Mg(OH)2/La2O3 composites

The flammability characterisation and synergistic flame retardant mechanism of La2O3 in the ethylene vinyl acetate/Mg(OH)(2) blends were studied by limiting oxygen index, UL 94 test and cone calorimeter test. The results showed that the addition of a given amount of La2O3 decreased the limiting oxygen index value somewhat but enhance the UL 94 test. The data obtained from the cone calorimeter test indicated that the addition of La2O3 greatly reduced the heat release rate and prolonged the ignition time.