ASTM D1230-94
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the flammability of textile fabrics as they reach the consumer for or from apparel other than children's sleepwear or protective clothing.
1.2 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. Note 1—This test method is not identical to 16 CFR Part 1610, Flammability of Clothing Textiles. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations require that fabrics introduced into commerce meet the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1610.
1.3 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. Specific precautionary information is found in 9.2.1.3.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard; inch-pound units are provided for information only.
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Designation: D 1230 – 94
Standard Test Method for
Flammability of Apparel Textiles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1230; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope of Durable Press Woven or Knit Fabrics
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the flamma-
3. Terminology
bility of textile fabrics as they reach the consumer for or from
3.1 Definitions:
apparel other than children’s sleepwear or protective clothing.
3.1.1 combustible textile, n—a textile that will ignite and
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe
burn or that will give off vapors that ignite and burn when
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
subjected to external sources of ignition.
to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and
3.1.2 flame spread, n—the propagation of a flame away
should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or
from the source of ignition.
fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
3.1.3 flame-spread time, n—the time taken by a flame on a
conditions. However, results of this test may be used as
burning material to travel a specified distance under specified
elements of a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all
conditions.
of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire
3.1.4 flammability, n—those characteristics of a material
hazard of a particular end use.
that pertain to its relative ease of ignition and relative ability to
NOTE 1—This test method is not identical to 16 CFR Part 1610,
sustain combustion.
Flammability of Clothing Textiles. Consumer Product Safety Commission
3.1.5 flame retardant, n—a chemical used to impart flame
regulations require that fabrics introduced into commerce meet the
resistance.
requirements of 16 CFR Part 1610.
3.1.6 flame-retardant-treated, adj—having received a
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
flame-retardant treatment.
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.6.1 The term “flame-retardant-treated” does not apply to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
textiles that are inherently flame resistant due to the intrinsic
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
properties of the material or the fiber-forming polymer.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
3.1.7 interlining, n—any textile which is intended for incor-
tionary information is found in 9.2.1.3.
poration into an article of wearing apparel as a layer between
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
an outer shell and an inner lining.
standard; inch-pound units are provided for information only.
3.1.8 raised fiber surface, n—in textile fabrics, intentionally
lifted fibers or yarns such as pile, napped, tufted, flocked, or
2. Referenced Documents
similar surfaces.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
refer to Terminology D 123 and to the Technical Manual of the
D 484 Specification of Hydrocarbon Drycleaning Solvents
American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.
D 2724 Test Methods for Bonded, Fused, and Laminated
Apparel Fabrics
4. Summary of Test Method
E 122 Practice for Choice of Sample Size to Estimate a
4.1 The standard provides methods of testing the flamma-
Measure of Quality for Lot or Process
bility of textiles from or intended to be used for apparel,
2.2 AATCC Test Method:
explains three classes of flammability, sets forth the require-
135 Dimensional Changes in Automatic Home Laundering
ments for classifying textiles, and warns against the use of
single or multilayer textile fabrics that have burning character-
istics considered by the trade to make them unsuitable for
apparel.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-13 on Textiles
4.2 Specimens cut from the textile are prepared by brushing
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.52 on Flammability.
Current edition approved June 15, 1994. Published August 1994. Originally
if they have a raised fiber surface, by drycleaning and laun-
published as D 1230 – 52 T. Last previous edition D 1230 – 92.
dering if they have been flame-retardant-treated. A dried
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
Discontinued—See 1983 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.03.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
Available from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists,
P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 1230
specimen is inserted in a frame and held in a special apparatus closely reproducible either in the same laboratory or among
at an angle of 45°, a standardized flame is applied to the surface several laboratories.
near the lower end for 1 s, and the timerequired for the flame 5.4 Finishes and fabric surface changes can exert a large
to proceed up the fabric a distance of 127 mm (5 in.) is effect on flammability. Therefore, some fabrics are tested
recorded. Notation is made as to whether the base of a before as well as after laundering or drycleaning or both (see
raised-surface fabric ignites, chars, or melts. Section 9).
5.5 This standard is not applicable to hats, gloves, footwear,
5. Uses and Significance
or interlining fabrics.
5.1 Test Method D 1230 for the determination of the flam-
6. Apparatus and Materials
mability of apparel textiles cannot be recommended for the
6.1 Flammability Tester , with a separate timer capable of
acceptance testing of commercial shipments since Federal
providing flame impingement on the specimen for 1 + 0.05 s as
regulations require apparel fabrics to meet the criteria of 16
shown in Fig. 1 or an equivalent electrically operated tester
CFR 1610 and correlation of test results with actual perfor-
equipped with an automatic electric timer, as described in
mance has not been established. Although Test Method D 1230
Annex A1. Testers are normally supplied with specimen
is not recommended for acceptance testing, it is useful because
holders.
it provides a less expensive and time consuming research tool
6.2 Brushing Device , as shown in Fig. 2, and described in
than 16 CFR 1610. Also, since the Consumer Product Safety
Annex A1.
Commission is presently considering action to allow alternate
6.3 Drycleaning Machine—Single unit, coin-operated type
test methods to 16 CFR 1610, and has shown a willingness to
capable of providing a complete automatic dry-to-dry cycle
consider changes to it, Test Method D 1230 should serve as the
using perchlorethylene (see 6.1 of Test Methods D 2724).
industry standard and as a guide for needed changes to federal
6.4 Laboratory Drying Oven.
regulations. See 1.2 and Note 1.
6.5 Desiccator, 250 mm (10 in.) diameter.
5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in
6.6 Calcium Chloride, anhydrous.
reported test results when using Test Method D 1230 for
6.7 Butane,CP.
acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and
6.8 AATCC Standard Detergent 124.
the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if
6.9 Perchlorethylene, commercial grade.
there is a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent
6.10 Drycleaning Detergent , amine sulfonate type.
statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of
6.11 Cotton Sewing Thread, No. 50, mercerized.
bias. As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test
specimens which are as homogeneous as possible and which
7. Sampling
are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test
7.1 Lot Sample—As a lot sample for testing, take at random
specimens should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers
the number of primary sampling units directed in an applicable
to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two
material specification or other agreement between the pur-
laboratories should be compared using a nonparametric test for
chaser and the supplier. For fabric, consider rolls of fabric to be
unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the
the primary sampling units. For garments, consider shipping
two parties before testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its
cartons to be the primary sampling units.
cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the
NOTE 2—A realistic specification or other agreement between the
supplier must agree to interpret future test results in light of the
purchaser and the supplier requires taking into account the variability
known bias.
between primary sampling units and within primary sampling units so as
5.2 All fabrics made of natural or regenerated cellulose, as
to provide a sampling plan which has a meaningful producer’s risk,
well as many made from other natural or man-made fibers, are
consumer’s risk, acceptable quality level, and limiting quality level. A lot
combustible. Some combustible fabrics when used for clothing
sample normally consists of a very small fraction of the total primary
are potentially dangerous to the wearer because of such factors sampling units.
as ease of ignition, flame spread time, amount of heat released,
7.2 Laboratory Sample—As a laboratory sample for testing,
and design of the garment. This test measures two such factors:
proceed as follows:
ease of ignition and flame spread time. 1 1
7.2.1 For fabric take a full-width swatch ⁄2 m( ⁄2 yd) long
5.3 In order to place fabrics in one of the three flammability
from the end of each roll of fabric in the lot sample, after first
classes, arbitrary limits have been selected for time of appli-
discarding any fabric from the very outside of the roll that
cation of the flame and for time of flame spread. These limits
contains folds, creases, or any evidence of displaced weave.
are based on extensive testing experience and are believed to
be a useful guide in judging the relative flammability of apparel
The Flammability Tester and Brushing Device can be obtained from U.S.
textiles. It must be understood, however, that no guarantee can
Testing Co., Inc., 1415 Park Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030; Custom Scientific Instru-
be given and none is implied that garments made from a fabric
ments, Inc., 13 Wing Drive, Whippany, NJ 07981; and The Govmark Organization,
or product falling into any one of the flammability classes will
Inc., P.O. Box 807, Bellmore, NY 11710.
not be hazardous under some conditions. Butane, cp. No. 4 cylinders, containing 2 lb may be obtained from Matheson
Co., Inc., East Rutherford, NJ.
5.3.1 Because of the sensitivity of fabrics to ambient atmo-
Staticol, amine sulfonate type, available from R. R. Street, Inc., 561 W. Monroe
spheric conditions, technique of specimen preparation, and
St., Chicago, IL; or Perksheen 324, amine sulfonate type, available from Adco, Inc.,
inherent variability in the cloth itself, test results are not always 900 W. Main St., Sedalia MO, have been found suitable for this purpose.
D 1230
FIG. 1 Flammability Tester
FIG. 2 Brushing Device
7.2.2 For garments, take the number of garments per ship- in the laboratory sample as directed in 9.1. For fabrics that can
ping carton in the lot sample directed in an applicable material be refurbished, cut additional final test specimens from each
specification or other agreement between the purchaser and swatch in the lot sample after the swatches have been refur-
supplier. bished as directed in 9.2. Identify the specimens as coming
7.3 Test Specimens: from a swatch before or after refurbishing.
7.3.1 Use exploratory tests as directed in 8.2 to select the 7.3.3 For garments, cut final test specimens from each
orientation of specimens, the face of the fabric to be tested, and garment in the laboratory sample as directed in 9.1. For
the part of any pattern to be tested so as to maximize the rate garments that can be refurbished, cut additional final test
of flame spread. specimens from each garment in the lot sample after the
7.3.2 For fabric, cut final test specimens from each swatch garments have been refurbished as directed in 9.2. Identify the
D 1230
specimens as coming from a garment before or after refurbish- mL of water for each gallon of perchlorethylene solvent
ing. Specimens from multi-layered garments should include all required for the drycleaning machine. Put this solvent in the
of the layers held in the same relative position they occupy in machine storage tank. The same solution may be used for
the garment. Test the outer surface of the garment unless the repeated cleanings until it becomes dirty. The solution then
inner surface of the lining yields a faster flame spread in should be replaced.
exploratory tests. See 7.3.1. 9.2.1.3 Perchlorethylene is toxic and a suspected carcino-
gen, and the usual precautions for handling chlorinated sol-
8. Preparation of Specimens
vents should be taken. It should be used only under well-
8.1 Perform tests on the fabric as it will reach the consumer.
ventilated conditions. The solvent is nonflammable.
Process any partially finished fabrics first in accordance with a
9.2.1.4 Sample and Dummy Load Preparation—Prepare a
manufacturer’s instructions.
load consisting of all specimens to be tested and made up to 8
8.2 Accomplish exploratory testing to determine the proper
lb (3.6 kg) total with dummy load of approximately 380 by 380
orientation of specimens, face of fabric and part of pattern to be
mm (15 by 15 in.) fabric pieces of similar material.
tested by marking and cutting (see 8.3) a single 50 by 150 mm
9.2.1.5 Drycleaning Procedure—Run through the complete
(2 by 6 in.) specimen for each fabric surface, direction, and
dry-to-dry cycle in the single unit coin-operated type dryclean-
pattern and testing according to Section 10.
ing machine. Run the solvent phase of the drycleaning cycle
with the solvent temperature no higher than 32°C (90°F).
NOTE 3—For fabric with a raised-fiber surface, it is usually found that
During the drying phase of the drycleaning cycle, either the air
the long dimension of the specimen should be parallel with the lay of the
outlet temperature should not exceed 60°C (140°F) or the inlet
pile, and that flame spread is most rapid when progressing against the lay
of the pile. air temperature should not exceed 80°C (175°F). If heat-
sensitive fibers (for example, modacrylic fibers) are involved,
8.3 Marking and Cutting, General Directions—Mark out
...
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