Abstract: Recent studies on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) nanocomposites have been reviewed. A detailed introduction was given on its preparation, thermal degradation behavior, and flame retardant properties such as heat release rate, time to ignition, and char formation performance. The fire resistant mechanisms have been discussed in depth. The flame retardant effects of different nanofillers like MWNTs, organoclay, and layered double hydroxides have been compared. And the influence of various treatments of MWNTs, such as purification, surface coating with high density polyethylene, and ball milling, on the thermal stability and flammability of the corresponding EVA nanocomposites have been analyzed.

Key words: carbon nanotube, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, nanocomposite, fire retardancy, heat release rate, time to ignition