Effect of MgOH/TiO₂ on flame retardancy and mechanical behavior of composite

Flame retardancy and mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites containing magnesium hydroxide (MH) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) were investigated. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) blend was incorporated with flame retardants (FRs) MH and TiO₂ in different wt.% ratios. Effect of flame retardants on fire resistance and mechanical properties of composites were characterized through UL94, limiting oxygen index, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile and impact tests. The flame retardancy was improved to V-0 with LOI value 24.9% due to the synergistic effect of both FRs. The thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the mass residue obtained was increased from 5 wt% to 25 wt%. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and modulus of LDPE/EVA was improved from 6.4 MPa to 7.1 MPa and 127 MPa to 133 MPa respectively after the incorporation of both FRs. Impact energy absorbed was also improved from 27.8 KJ mm⁻² to 35.2 KJ mm⁻². (paper)