Characterization of the flame retardancy of EVA copolymer by plasma grafting of acrylic acid

An attempt has been made in this study to render polymers flame retardancy by a grafting method induced by plasma. Based on ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer grafted with acrylic acid, it was found that the time to ignition of the grafted sample was extended. The limiting oxygen index and char residue were raised. This indicates that the side groups of –COOH, –COO–Na+ and –COO–K+ in the grafted layer not only can be charred in the thermal degradation stage, but can also promote charring of the substrate polymer.