The flammability characterization and synergistic flame retardant effect Of cerium oxide (CeO2) in the ethylene-vinyl acetate/aluminum hydroxide blends were studied using limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test, and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The results, showed that the addition of a given amount of CeO2 apparently increased the LOI value and UL-94 rating. The data obtained from the CCT indicated that the addition of CeO2 greatly decreased the heat release rate and prolonged the combustion time. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116: 1889-1893, 2010