Full scale nanocomposites: Clay in fire retardant and polymer

Full scale nanocomposites of polypropylene and ethylene-co-vinyl acetate with ammonium polyphosphate/MMT nanocompound composites were prepared by melt blending. Their morphologies are assessed by X-ray diffraction and thermal stability and flammability were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. PP full scale nanocomposites show enhanced flame retardancy compared to other PP composites because the clay can control the viscosity during char formation, maintain the layered structure of the clay and function as a barrier. The EVA full scale nanocomposites also show good fire retardancy with a nanoplatelet char. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.