Rapid Growth of Ag Nanoparticles on <scp>MoS₂</scp> Surfaces: An Effective Method to Improve Fire Safety and Mechanical Properties of Ethylene‐Vinyl Acetate Composites

ABSTRACT Two‐dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) nanosheets are promising nanofillers for improving the properties of polymers, but low‐cost, facile and green methods need to be further explored to meet the requirements for large‐scale production of modified MoS 2 nanosheets. Here, we developed a new idea that is, to prepare MoS 2 @Ag by modifying the surface of MoS 2 using radiative reduction. It is noteworthy that the modified MoS 2 @Ag can effectively improve the mechanical strength of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) composites. In addition, the addition of MoS 2 @Ag was able to substantially improve the flame‐retardant properties of EVA, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of heat and smoke released from its combustion. When two parts of MoS 2 @Ag were added, the peak heat release rate and total smoke release of EVA/2.0MoS 2 @Ag composites were reduced by 29.7% and 39.2%, respectively, compared with that of pure EVA. At the same time, the toxic gases (e.g., CO) produced by the combustion of EVA composites were significantly reduced, which indicates an improvement in their fire safety.