Flammability and thermal degradation behavior of ethylene‐vinyl acetate/layered double hydroxides/zinc borate composites

Mg‐Al‐Fe ternary‐layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized by a calcination‐rehydration method using Bayer red mud. The products were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The flammability and thermal degradation of ethylene‐vinyl acetate/layered double hydroxides/zinc borate (EVA/LDHs/ZB) composites were studied with limiting oxygen index, UL 94, cone calorimeter test, smoke density test, and thermogravimetry‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Although limiting oxygen index value of the composites decreased with increasing ZB amount, a suitable addition of ZB can apparently improve the UL 94 rating of the material. The heat release rate of the 5% ZB containing ternary composites decreased compared with the EVA/LDHs composites. It is obtained from smoke density test that ZB could help smoke suppression. The ternary composites possessed a higher thermal stability than the EVA/LDHs composites. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.