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

Abstract

Abstract Flame retardant nanocomposites are synthesized by melt‐blending ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) with modified layered silicates (montmorillonites). Thermogravimetric 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 nanofillers and traditional FR‐additives on the basis of metal hydroxides were also studied. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.