Novel nanocomposite based on EVA/PHBV/[60]Fullerene with improved thermal properties.

A novel nanocomposite was prepared from ethylene-co-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and poly-3-hydroxy butyrate-co-valerate (PHBV) in combination with small amounts of [60]Fullerene (C 60). The thermal degradation as well as the incorporation effect of C 60 on the thermo-oxidative decomposition of EVA/PHBV/C 60 nanocomposites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to assess the level of stabilization of nanocomposites, the oxidation induction time test was also determined. The obtained results indicated that the dispersion of C 60 even at low loading (0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 wt.%) exerts a significant increase on the thermal stability properties of nanocomposite. The oxidation induction time values of nanocomposites were remarkably increased with the increase of C 60 amounts. Surprisingly, the oxidation induction time of EVA/PHBV/C 60 (0.3 wt.%) is 1643 s higher than that of unfilled EVA/PHBV blend. The flammability properties investigated in pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC) showed that the addition of C 60 could prolong the time to peak of Heat Release Rate (pHRR) of around 30 °C compared to EVA/PHBV blend. It was demonstrated that C 60 is inhibitor of the thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of EVA/PHBV blend. • The impact of C 60 on the thermal stability of EVA/PHBV blend is studied. • The incorporation of C 60 retard the decomposition process of nanocomposites. • Smaller C 60 amounts increase the decomposition temperatures of nanocomposites. • C 60 reacts with free radicals that are forming during oxidation. • C 60 reaction with free radical protects nanocomposites from decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]