Preparation and characterization of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles and flame-retardant property of its nanocomposites with EVA

The magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] nanocrystallines with needle- or lamella-like morphologies were synthesized by a surfactant-mediated solution method. The structures and morphologies of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared. Mg(OH)2/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) (1:1) nanocomposite was also prepared, and has a value of the limiting oxygen index of 38.3. The high-resolution transmission electron microscope picture shows that the Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles disperse homogeneously in EVA matrix and the scanning electron microscope images indicate that the char formed after combustion of the nanocomposite appears very compact.