The Effect of a Novel Intumescent Flame Retardant-Functionalized Montmorillonite on the Thermal Stability and Flammability of Eva

A novel intumescent flame retardant-functionalized montmorillonite (PAB-MMT) was prepared by modification of sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) with an intumescent flame retardant (PAB) containing phosphorus-nitrogen structure. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis indicated that PAB had intercalated into Na-MMT. The applications of this fact for improving the thermal stability and flammability of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to learn the morphology of the char residue. The results showed that the addition of PAB-MMT into EVA could improve the flame retardancy of the EVA matrix. The peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) were significantly reduced in comparison with those of other EVA composites. The TGA data showed higher char residue than other composites, which was the reason for the improved flame retardancy.