Synergistic flame retardant effects of Fe-OMMT with LDH in EVA/LDH composites

The synergistic effects of Fe organic modified montmorillonite (Fe-OMMT) with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/LDH (EVA/LDH) composites have been studied using thermal analysis [thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)], limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The results showed that the addition of a given amount of Fe-OMMT apparently increased the LOI value and the rating in the UL-94 test. The results from the LOI and UL-94 tests show that Fe-OMMT can act as flame retardant synergistic agents in EVA/LDH composites. The CCT data indicated that the addition of Fe-OMMT in the EVA/LDH system can greatly reduce the heat release rate. The TGA data show that Fe-OMMT, as an excellent flame retardant synergist of LDH, cannot increase the thermal degradation temperature and the charred residues.