Optimisation of the ceramic-like body for ceramifiable EVA-based composites

Abstract Various ceramifiable ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composites were prepared by melt blending with two kinds of glass frits, organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) and whitened and capsulised red phosphorus (WCRP). The influence of different filler components and firing temperatures on the ceramifiable properties of the composites was studied. The dripping behaviour of the composites was analyzed by a vertical burning test. The microstructure of the residues was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the optimised EVA composite was free of melt dripping during burning with the addition of OMMT. A dimensionally stable and dense ceramic residue was also obtained, especially with the addition of WCRP. It was suggested that new phases were formed at firing temperatures, and WCRP could promote the formation of ceramic body which was not fused during firing at 900°C as evidenced by XRD.