Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), an intrinsic intumescent flame retardant system, able to behave as a char-former, has been melt-blended with an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) at different concentrations (namely, 10, 15 and 20wt.-%). The thermal and fire stability of the obtained compounds has been thoroughly investigated through thermogravimetric analyses (in nitrogen and air), limiting oxygen index and cone calorimetry tests. Furthermore, in order to provide an additional carbon source and thus to reduce the DNA content, α-cellulose or β-cyclodextrins have been used. DNA has promoted a significant reduction of the Heat Release Rate peak (-40%) as well as of CO and CO2 yields (approximately -50 and -40%, respectively), slightly increasing, at the same time, the residue after the cone calorimetry tests. The addition of α-cellulose to DNA/EVA compounds has clearly proved that this carbon source can significantly reduce the DNA content required for conferring flame retardant features to the copolymer, thus demonstrating a cumulative (not synergistic) effect exerted by the presence of the two additives, as also revealed by the estimation of the synergistic effectiveness parameter. Keywords: Deoxyribonucleic acid, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, flame retardancy, polymer composites, thermal properties.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
