Melt rheology parameters of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer modified with 3-(tetrabromopentadecyl) 2,4,6-tribromo phenol

Abstract

Processability characteristics of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer formulations modified with a flame-retardant 3-(tetrabromopentadecyl) 2,4,6-tribromo phenol (TBPTP) have been studied on a Brabender Plasticorder at various shear rates and temperatures. The plasticizing effect of TBPTP on EVA has been confirmed by the increase in flow behavior index and decreases in melt viscosity, melt elasticity, and activation energy of melt flow. The improvement in processability of the TBPTP-modified EVA over the unmodified sample was reflected in a reduction in power consumption during mixing of the former. The study was undertaken because of the potential of TBPTP-modified EVA for application in flame retardant low smoke (FRLS) cable sheathings. © 1986 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.