Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5206393 | Polymer Testing | 2014 | 6 Pages |
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/sepiolite nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin screw extruder. The structural, morphological, thermal, flammability and mechanical properties of the EVA/sepiolite nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermal analysis, tensile properties and limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis and FESEM revealed good dispersion of sepiolite in EVA matrix. The tensile strength of EVA/sepiolite increased by 21% and Young's modulus increased by 47% at 5Â wt% and 7Â wt% sepiolite content, respectively. The thermal stability and fire retardancy of the nanocomposites improved with sepiolite incorporation.