Preparation of silane precursor microencapsulated intumescent flame retardant and its enhancement on the properties of ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer cable

Silane precursor microencapsulated intumescent flame retardant (IFR) was prepared by sol–gel process and then modified with vinyltrimethoxysilane (A-171) with the goal of that the vinyl group functionalized silica microcapsule could be introduced into EVA matrix through crosslinking, which will enhance the compatibility and dispersion between EVA matrix and microencapsulated IFR. The effects of silane precursor microencapsulation technology on the mechanical, electrical, thermal, interfacial adhesion and flame retardant properties of intumescent flame-retardant EVA cable were investigated by mechanical test, resistance meter, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL-94 test. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results indicated silane precursor microencapsulated IFR were successfully prepared, and the water contact angle (WCA) results indicated that silane precursor results in the transformation of hydrophilic to hydrophobic of IFR surface. The characterization for the various properties of EVA composites demonstrated that silane precursor microencapsulation technology enhanced the interfacial adhesion, mechanical, electrical, thermal stability and flame retardancy of EVA/MCAPP/MCPER system. Furthermore, the water resistance test results demonstrate that EVA/MCAPP/MCPER composites have good water durability. This investigation provides a formulation for the industrial application as insulated materials of EVA cable with excellent properties.