Development of a near‐infrared reflecting EVA cooling compound with flame retardant property

Abstract

AbstractA high near‐infrared (NIR) reflective cooling compound with flame retardant characteristics was fabricated by incorporating antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) and decabrominated diphenyl ethane (DBDPE) into ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The solar reflectivity and cooling capacities of the control sample and EVA compounds with either Sb2O3 or DBDPE, and EVA composites embedded with Sb2O3 and DBDPE, were evaluated by ultraviolet–visible–near infrared analysis and temperature tests. The effect of Sb2O3 and DBDPE on the flammability, thermal behavior, and mechanical properties of EVA copolymer were determined via the UL‐94 burning test, limiting oxygen index (LOI), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile and tearing tests. Compared with the glass blank, EVA compound filled with 10 wt% Sb2O3 and 30 wt% DBDPE showed a roughly 17.3°C and 38.0°C decrease during sunlight exposure and in indoors, respectively, accompanied by the maximum NIR reflectivity of 68.8% in all as‐prepared blends. Moreover, this as‐prepared compound met a UL‐94 V‐0 classification and reached a LOI value of 29.3%. Notably, the singular addition of either Sb2O3 or DBDPE improved the cooling capability of EVA but rarely fulfilled the fire retardant demand. In contrast, the incorporation of Sb2O3 and DBDPE improved the desirable cooling and flame retardant properties.