Radiation crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate composite with binary flame retardant: The improved performance and mechanisms

Abstract

AbstractIn this article, ethylene vinyl acetate/aluminum hydroxide/melamine cyanurate (EVA/ATH/MCA) composites were prepared by melt blending, and the crosslinking ability of EVA composites was improved by electron beam irradiation. When the ratio of ATH to MCA is 2:3, compared with the sample added with MCA only, the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production of EVA composites are reduced by 30%, 45.9%, and 42%, respectively, and the residue content is increased to 18.1%. At the same time, CO production and CO2 production are reduced, limiting oxygen index and UL‐94 are increased to 27.3% and V‐1 level. The flame‐retardant effect is significantly improved. In the combustion process, the gas generated by MCA decomposition can act as a “foaming agent,” which expands the thermal insulation layer composed of aluminum oxide and carbon residue generated by ATH decomposition, and enhances the flame‐retardant effect of condensed phase. In addition, compared with the samples before irradiation, the mechanical properties and wear resistance of EVA composites after irradiation crosslinking are improved. When the addition ratio of ATH and MCA is 2:3, the maximum tensile strength can reach 16.5 MPa.