• EVA composites
• flame retardancy
• inorganic filler

The properties of a natural magnesium hydroxide have been studied and compared with those of other natural and synthetic fillers for polymer in order to point out the main effects of filler properties on the behaviour of highly filled composites in EVA matrix. Particle morphology of the filler has been identified as the most influent factor on the rheological, melt elastic and mechanical properties of compounds. Thermal analysis of composites has shown that the introduction of carbonates influences the degradation behaviour of EVA. Flame retardant studies on natural magnesium hydroxide filled EVA composite in combination with different flame retardant additives have been carried out and useful methods of screening and mechanism rationalization have been proposed.