Vinyl ester nanocomposites thermal stability

An HDS additive, zinc/copper hydroxy stearate, was melt-blended with low density poly(ethylene). X-ray diffraction analysis of the composite materials was similar to that found with copper hydroxy dodecyl sulfate combined with poly(vinyl ester), where nanocomposite formation was observed, but additional work is necessary for full characterization of the dispersion. The (nano) composites were found to have better thermal stability via TGA and improvement in PHRR in cone calorimetry. However, smoke production was observed to increase. The 5% loading had better overall performance than 10% in terms of thermal stability and most fire properties. 

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