Abstract
A polymer ceramic precursor material—polycarbosilane (PCS)—was used as a synergistic additive with magnesium hydroxide (MH) in flame-retardant ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composites via the melt-blending method. The flame-retardant properties of EVA/MH/PCS were evaluated by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and a cone calorimeter (CONE). The results revealed a dramatic synergistic effect between PCS and MH, showing a 114% increase in the LOI value and a 46% decrease in the peak heat release rate (pHRR) with the addition of 2 wt.% PCS to the EVA/MH composite. Further study of the residual char by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proved that a cohesive and compact char formed due to the ceramization of PCS and close packing of spherical magnesium oxide particles. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (TG–FTIR) and pyrolysis–gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) were applied to investigate the flame-retardant mechanism of EVA/MH/PCS. The synergistic effect between PCS and MH exerted an impact on the thermal degradation products of EVA/MH/PCS, and acetic products were inhibited in the gas phase.
Highlights
Ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) brings much convenience to daily life and industrial manufacturing due to its excellent dielectric properties and weather resistance [1,2].As an important matrix resin, EVA is widely used in the wire and cable industry
The combustion behaviors and fire performance of EVA/magnesium hydroxide (MH)/PCS composites were investigated, and the results indicate that PCS has a dramatic synergistic effect with MH
Investigated, and the results indicate that PCS has a dramatic synergistic effect with MH
Summary
As an important matrix resin, EVA is widely used in the wire and cable industry. The development of halogen-free flame-retardant EVA compounds for wires and cables has been an important topic from the perspective of science and technology. Considering that the flame-retardant effect mainly comes from their endothermic decomposition and the barrier role of the decomposed products [8], the flame-retardant properties of the compounds show strong dependence on the loading levels of these flame retardants. High loading levels (more than 50 wt.%) are required in order to meet the flame retardant demands, which deteriorate the overall performance of the flame-retardant compounds. The surface modification of the flame retardants [9,10] becomes a means to reduce the influence of high loading and improve the mechanical properties of the compounds [11]. Fiber [12] and compatibilizers [13] were investigated to improve the mechanical properties and balance the flame retardancy of the compounds
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