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ABSTRACT
Thermal and flammability properties of ethylene vinyl acetate/starch/organoclay (EVA/S/C20A) nanocomposites are shown in this work. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) patterns and micrographs obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) show the formation of nanostructured systems. The organoclay layers were preferably intercalated-exfoliated with the EVA polymer. Even so, the vinyl acetate group in EVA interacted with both the C20A clay and the starch macromolecules, achieving compatibility between the three components. The intercalated layers of clay provided protection against thermal degradation of the EVA. However, based on the kinetic study, the Ea of the nanocomposite degradation was lower than that of pure EVA. The flammability tests demonstrated the absence of dripping during burning and the self-extinguishing capacity of the flame (HB in the UL-94 test) in the EVA/C20A and EVA/S/C20A nanocomposites. The results are related to the nanointercalation of the clay and the compatibility between the three components with different properties. Thus, the flame self-extinguishing potential of ternary nanocomposites, previously studied as biodegradable, is demonstrated.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the CONAHCYT-México under grant 317225. The authors also thank B. Castro-Hilario for her support in the FE-SEM analyses, and to M. Lozano, A. Rodríguez G., and J. A. Mercado S. for their technical assistance.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Miguel A. García-Muñoz
Miguel A. García-Muñoz is a professor and researcher at the Scientific Research Center of the University of Papaloapan in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, México. Currently, he works in starch and nanocellulose processing.
Mario Valera-Zaragoza
Mario Valera-Zaragoza is a professor and researcher at the Scientific Research Center of the University of Papalopan in Tuxtpepec, Oaxaca, México. He is a researcher with experience in the processing and characterization of nanocoomposites. He also works on the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
Andrés Aguirre-Cruz
Andrés Aguirre-Cruz is a professor and researcher at the Technological Institute of Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, México. He works on developing materials from starch and cellullose obtained from unconventional sources.
Roselis Carmona-García
Roselis Carmona-García is a professor and researcher at the Technological Institute of Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, México. He works on starch modifications to develop materials.
Aurelio Ramírez-Hernández
Aurelio Ramírez-Hernández is a professor and researcher at the Scientific Research Center of the University of Papaloapan in Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, México. Currently, he works with biopolymers, especially starch and natural rubber.
Eduardo Ramírez-Vargas
Eduardo Ramírez-Vargas is researcher at the Research Center in Applied Chemistry in Saltillo, Coahuila, México. He is a researcher with expertise in the processing and characterization of polymer nanocomposites.
Saúl Sánchez-Valdes
Saúl Sánchez-Valdes is a researcher at the Research Center in Applied Chemistry in Saltillo, Coahuila, México. He is a researcher with expertise in the processing and characterization of nanocomposites and the development of biomaterials.