Macromolecular Rapid Communications · 2007 · 107 citations · 13 references
EngineeringChemical EngineeringMaterials EngineeringCombustionNanomaterialsPolymer EngineeringCarbon NanotubesComposite MaterialsIgnitionNanocompositesNanotubesPolymer NanocompositesCone CalorimetryFire RetardancyFire-retardant PolymersFlame RetardancyFlame RetardantsMaterial FlammabilityMaterials FlammabilityPolymer Thermal Degradation
Abstract Nanocomposites based on an ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (27 wt.‐% vinyl acetate) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been prepared by melt blending and their thermal degradation and flame retardant properties have been evaluated. Special attention has been paid to the influence of the nanotube nature on the flammability properties and more particularly on the time to ignition (TTI) as measured by cone calorimetry. It has been shown that there is a strong influence of the nature of carbon nanotubes on the fire behaviour of the composites, especially previous MWNTs crushing proved to substantially delay the TTI while maintaining much reduced heat release rate (HRR). Such a remarkable behaviour might be explained by the chemical reactivity of radical species present at the surface/extremities of crushed MWNTs during the combustion process. magnified image
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