Short communication: Carbon nanotubes as flame retardants for polymers

Flame retardant nanocomposites were synthesized by melt-blending ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with multi wall carbon nanotubes. Fire property measurements by cone calorimeter revealed that the incorporation of multi wall carbon nanotubes into EVA significantly reduced the peak heat release rates compared with the virgin EVA. Peak heat release rates of EVA with multi-wall carbon nanotubes were slightly improved compared with EVA nanocomposites based on modified layered silicates. Char formation is the main important factor for these improvements. There was also a synergistic effect by the combination of carbon nanotubes and organoclays resulting in an overall more perfect closed surface with improved heat release values. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.