Study of nanocarbon black as synergist on improving flame retardancy of ethylene-vinyl acetate/brucite composites

Nanocarbon black (CB) was introduced into ethylene-vinyl acetate/brucite (EM) composites to investigate the synergistic effect of CB and metal hydroxide on improving the flame retardancy of EVA. Flammability properties of the as-prepared EVA composites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test and cone calorimetry test. The results indicated that the optimum mass ratio of CB/brucite was 1/54, at which the EVA composites displayed dramatic improvement on thermal stability and flame retardancy. The LOI value was as high as 35.3%, the UL-94 passed the V-0 rating, and the peak heat release rate reduced 79% in comparison with pure EVA. Based on the morphology and structure analysis for residue chars, the flame-retardant mechanism was attributed mainly to the positive synergistic effect of CB and brucite on promoting the formation of better carbon protective layer during combustion.