1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover small-scale laboratory procedures for determining the comparative extinguishing characteristics (Test Method A) and the relative rate of burning (Test Method B) of solid plastic materials that, due to specimen thinness and nonrigidity, may distort or sag when tested using Test Method D3801 or Test Method D635. In Test Method A, a flame is applied to the base of specimens held in a vertical position and the extinguishing times are determined upon removal of the test flame. In Test Method B, a flame is applied to the free end of specimens held in a horizontal position and the rate of burning is determined as the flame front progresses between two benchmarks.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.

1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Note 1.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position

D3801 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position

D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials

D5207 Practice for Confirmation of 20-mm (50-W) and 125-mm (500-W) Test Flames for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials

E176 Terminology of Fire Standards

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ISO Standards

Keywords

flammability; plastics, nonrigid; plastics, solid; vertical position; Burning characteristics--plastics; Extinguishing characteristics; Flammability--plastics; Nonrigid plastics; Rate of burning; Reinforced thermosetting plastics (RTP); Solid plastics; Thermoplastics

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 83.080.01 (Plast in general)

DOI: 10.1520/D4804-98

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.