Studies on the flame retardant, mechanical and thermal properties of ternary magnesium hydroxide/clay/EVA nanocomposites

Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending of EVA with nano-sized magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH) ₂ ] and modified montmorilonite clay. Nano Mg(OH) ₂ was synthesized in the laboratory by matrix-mediated growth and controlled technique. Particle size of Mg(OH) ₂ crystals was performed using X-ray diffraction technique and was found to be in nanometer range. Ternary EVA, clay and Mg(OH) ₂ nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending using Brabender Plastograph EC. The prepared samples were characterized by flame test, tensile tests and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Morphological study of the composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flame retardant properties of samples were significantly improved in the EVA/clay/Mg(OH) ₂ nanocomposites without losing its mechanical properties. Ternary system showed better thermal, flame retardant and mechanical properties compared with nanocomposites of EVA filled only with the nano Mg(OH) ₂ .