Effects of Filler Surface Modification on Coupling Effects in Halogen-Free Flame-Retardant Cable Compounds — Part 1
This paper publishes the work which was performed following up on IWCS 2022 published results, investigating the influence of flame-retardant filler and grafted coupling agent on EVA/LLDPE blend systems. Therefore, in comparison to uncoated magnesium di-hydroxide, filler versions with vinyl-silane and amino-silane coating were investigated. They represent different methods of bonding ability and have shown interactions with EVA and LLDPE in the past. The same EVA/LLDPE blends and pure polymers were filled with 30% and 60% of coated flame-retardant fillers and then investigated in the established analysis methods. Throughout all tests, differences in compatibility were observable. While uncoated MDH and amino silane coated MDH performed very comparable, the vinyl silane coated filler showed reduced interaction with the polymer matrix.