Graphite effect on the mechanical and fire‐retardant performance of low‐density polyethylene and ethylene‐vinyl‐acetate foam composites

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the graphite effect on the mechanical and fire‐retardant performance of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene‐vinyl‐acetate (EVA) foam composites was investigated. Polymer composites were prepared by melt mixing process and foamed by hot press molding at different graphite content (0, 3, 6, and 12 phr). Cone calorimetric tests through heat release rate (HRR) curves obtained, revealed a decreasing of 45% on peak heat release rate (pHRR) of foam composites LDPE‐EVA with 12 phr of untreated graphite content compared than those LDPE‐EVA foamed composites without graphite, which was attributed to the good distribution of graphite in the composite and more residual generates as thermogravimetric analysis suggested. Mechanical properties of polymer foamed composites with high graphite content do not show significant detrimental as a result to the formation of more uniform cells with smaller size incorporating a material with high modulus like graphite. The results suggest that polymer foam composites with graphite are suitable for the building and construction industry, in sealing and thermal insulation applications with good fire‐retardant performance.