Thermal Degradation and Combustion Behavior of the Polyethylene/Clay Nanocomposite Prepared by Melt Intercalation

The properties and thermal degradation of model polyethylene (PE) are reasonably well known [1-12]. It is generally accepted that pristine PE has relatively low thermal stability and flame resistance. The approach to the enhancement of thermal stability and fire resistance based on the use of polymer nanocomposites has been extensively developed in the last years [13-18].