MELT RHEOLOGY PARAMETERS OF ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMER MODIFIEDWITH 3-(TETRABROMOPENTADECYL) 2,4,6-TRIBROMO PHENOL

Processability characteristics of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolym er formulations modified with a flame-retardant 3-(tetrabromopentadecy l) 2,4,6-tribromo phenol (TBPTP) have been studied on a Brabender Plas ticorder at various shear rates and temperatures. The plasticizing eff ect of TBPTP on EVA has been confirmed by the increase in flow behavio r index and decreases in melt viscosity, melt elasticity, and activati on 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 undert aken because of the potential of TBPTP-modified EVA for application in flame retardant low smoke (FRLS) cable sheathings. (C) 1996 John Wile y & Sons, Inc.