Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/high-density polyethylene/aluminum hydroxide/clay composites by electron beam irradiation

In this study, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/aluminum hydroxide (ATH)/clays composites were prepared via melt-mixing followed by electron beam irradiation (EBI). The effects of clays and EBI on the properties of the composites were investigated in terms of their flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties. As the clay content increased, the gel content, tensile strength, and elongation-at-break increased. The gel content, tensile strength, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of the composites increased with increasing absorbed dose due to the formation of crosslinked network structures. These results suggest that the addition of clays and the formation of crosslinked network structures by EBI can be an effective method for improving the physical properties and flame retardancy of composites.