Effect of Polyolefin Elastomers’ Characteristics and Natural Magnesium Hydroxide Content on the Properties of Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant Polyolefin Composites

This study examines the preparation of several composites that are based on natural magnesium hydroxide (n-MDH) and various poly(ethylene-co-octene) polyolefin elastomers (POEs). Design experiment (DoE) principles have been applied in order to optimize mechanical, rheological, flame-retardant properties final composites. DoE allows one evaluate influence each variable an experiment’s properties. By increasing density crystallinity POE, a higher elastic modulus was obtained, which resulted greater tensile strength lower elongation at break. Improved flame retardant (as measured by limiting oxygen index (LOI) vertical burning tests) were obtained amount filler within composite up 65% using polymer with high crystallinity. More specifically, best balance between provided 63.75% n-MDH filler. The agreement predicted performance has enabled innovative use provide reliable predictions about mechanical compounds used for low voltage electrical cable applications.