Rapid Synthesis of Molybdenum Disulfide@Ferric Oxide Nanomaterials Using Gamma Rays for the Efficient Improvement of the Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Properties of EVA/Magnesium Hydroxide Composites

Abstract

In this research, iron tetroxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were in situ synthesized on the surface of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) via a radiation technique to fabricate a MoS₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrid. Notably, the tensile strength and elongation at break of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/magnesium hydroxide (MH) composites were enhanced by 62.5% and 59.1%, respectively, with the addition of one part of the MoS₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrid, attributed to its excellent reinforcing effect. Simultaneously, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release of the EVA/MH composite decreased by 45.9% and 14.4%, respectively, while the residue content increased to 43.4%. Furthermore, EVA/MH/MoS₂@Fe₃O₄ composites with one part of the MoS₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrid generated significantly fewer toxic gases (such as CO) compared to EVA/MH composites, demonstrating enhanced fire safety. This study underscores the potential of creating noble metal-free layered composites by integrating cost-effective and eco-friendly Fe₃O₄ co-catalysts, such as MoS₂@Fe₃O₄ hybrids, to improve the fire safety of EVA composites.