Influence of a novel organo-silylated clay on the morphology, thermal and burning behavior of low density polyethylene composites

The investigation of the thermal and burning behavior of the LDPE nanocomposites indicated that the organosilylated clay alone shows only a limited residual protection layer effect. In combination with MH the nanocomposites have a small adverse effect on the reaction to small flame as measured by the oxygen index and UL 94 testing, and, surprisingly, no effect on the peak heat release rate in the cone calorimeter. The quality of the fire residue was lacking on the microscopic scale. The ternary LDPE/MH/organoclay systems investigated did not open the door to reducing MH content in halogen-free flame retardant LDPE yet, but demand further research.