ASTM D1929-14
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Tests made under conditions herein prescribed can be of considerable value in comparing the relative ignition characteristics of different materials. Values obtained represent the lowest ambient air temperature that will cause ignition of the material under the conditions of this test. Test values are expected to rank materials according to ignition susceptibility under actual use conditions.
4.2 This test is not intended to be the sole criterion for fire hazard. In addition to ignition temperatures, fire hazards include other factors such as burning rate or flame spread, intensity of burning, fuel contribution, products of combustion, and others.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire test response test method2 covers a laboratory determination of the flash ignition temperature and spontaneous ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 Caution—During the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved that have the potential to be hazardous to personnel.
1.4 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.5 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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 statements are given in 1.3 and 1.4.
Note 1: This test method and ISO 871-1996 are identical in all technical details.
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Designation: D1929 − 14
StandardTest Method for
Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1929; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This fire test response test method covers a laboratory
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
determination of the flash ignition temperature and spontane-
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
ous ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace.
2.2 International Standards:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
ISO871-1996 Plastics—DeterminationofIgnitionTempera-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
ture Using a Hot-Air Furnace
standard.
ISO 5725 Precision of Test Methods—Determination of
Repeatability and Reproducibility for StandardTest Meth-
1.3 Caution—During the course of combustion, gases or
ods by Interlaboratory Tests
vapors, or both, are evolved that have the potential to be
IEC 584-2 Thermocouples—Part 2: Tolerances
hazardous to personnel.
3. Terminology
1.4 This standard is used to measure and describe the
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to fire, seeTerminology
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
E176.
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
incorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-risk
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
3.2.1 flash ignition temperature (FIT)—the minimum tem-
actual fire conditions.
perature at which, under specified test conditions, sufficient
flammable gases are emitted to ignite momentarily upon
1.5 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
application of a small external pilot flame.
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
3.2.2 glowing combustion—combustion of a material in the
conducting these tests.
solid phase without flame but with emission of light from the
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
combustion zone, caused by slow decomposition and carbon-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ization at various points in the specimen, without general
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ignition occurring.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.3 spontaneous ignition temperature or self-ignition tem-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
perature (SIT)—the minimum temperature at which the self-
tionary statements are given in 1.3 and 1.4.
heating properties of the specimen lead to ignition or ignition
occurs of itself, under specified test conditions, in the absence
NOTE 1—This test method and ISO 871-1996 are identical in all
of any additional flame ignition source.
technical details.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Tests made under conditions herein prescribed can be of
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Proper- considerable value in comparing the relative ignition charac-
ties.30.03).
teristics of different materials. Values obtained represent the
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2014. Published December 2014. Originally
lowest ambient air temperature that will cause ignition of the
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D1929 – 13a.
DOI:10.1520/D1929-14.
In 1996, this test method was totally revised to be technically equal to ISO
871-1996, and a specific air velocity is specified, which eliminates the need for For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
approximations. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
The following reference may be of interest in connection with this test method: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Stetchkin, N. P., “A Method and Apparatus for Determining the Ignition Charac- the ASTM website.
teristics of Plastics,” Journal of Research, National Institute of Standards and Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Technology, Vol 43, No. 6, December 1949 (RP 2052), p. 591. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1929 − 14
material under the conditions of this test. Test values are unit and specimen holder.
expected to rank materials according to ignition susceptibility
5.2 Furnace Tube—A vertical tube with an inside diameter
under actual use conditions.
of 100 6 5 mm and a length of 230 6 20 mm, made of a
4.2 This test is not intended to be the sole criterion for fire
ceramic that will withstand at least 750°C. The vertical tube
hazard. In addition to ignition temperatures, fire hazards
standsonthefurnacefloor,fittedwithaplugfortheremovalof
include other factors such as burning rate or flame spread,
accumulated residue.
intensity of burning, fuel contribution, products of combustion,
5.3 Inner Ceramic Tube—Aceramictubethatwillwithstand
and others.
at least 750°C, with an inside diameter of 75 6 5 mm, length
5. Apparatus
of 2306 20 mm, and thickness of approximately 3 mm, placed
5.1 Hot-Air Ignition Furnace—A furnace similar to that inside the furnace tube and positioned 20 6 2 mm above the
shown in Fig. 1, consisting primarily of an electrical heating furnace floor on three small spacer blocks. The top is covered
FIG. 1 Cross Section of Hot-Air Ignition Furnace
D1929 − 14
NOTE 4—Thermocouple TC may be installed through a hole drilled
by a disk of heat-resistant material with a 25 6 2-mm diameter
adjacent to the inspection plug below the specimen pan.
opening in the center that is used for observation and passage
of smoke and gases. The pilot flame is located immediately 6.3 Thermocouple TC measures the temperature, T , of the
3 3
above the opening. heating coil. It is located adjacent to the furnace heating coil
andisusedasareferencefortemperatureadjustmentpurposes.
NOTE 2—Fire resistant materials such as silica glass and stainless steel
A metallic sheathed thermocouple with a diameter not greater
have also been found suitable for this application.
than1.7mmispermittedtobeusedforthermocoupleTC .The
5.4 Air Source—An outside air source to supply clean air
limit on thermocouple thickness in 5.9 does not apply to
near the top of the annular space between the ceramic tubes,
thermocouple TC .
through a copper tube at a steady and controllable rate. Air
shall be heated and circulated in the space between the two 7. Test Specimens
tubes and enter the inner furnace tube at the bottom. Air shall
7.1 It is acceptable to use as test specimens materials, or
be metered by a rotameter or other suitable device.
products, supplied in any form, with some examples being
5.5 Electrical Heating Unit, contained within the mineral pellets, powders and films. It is also acceptable to use com-
fiber sleeve and constructed of 50 turns of 1.3 6 0.1 mm
posites as test specimens. The test report shall include full
Nichrome V alloy wire, wound around the furnace tube and details of the form in which the test specimens have been
embedded in heat-resistant cement.
tested.
NOTE 3—Other constructions such as finely coiled wire embedded in NOTE 5—Specimens containing high levels of inorganic fillers are
molded ceramic fiber have also been found to be acceptable.
difficult to evaluate.
NOTE 6—In some cases the same material will give different results if
5.6 Insulation, consisting of a layer of mineral fiber, ap-
tested in different forms.
proximately 60-mm thick, and covered by a metal jacket.
7.2 A specimen mass of 3.0 6 0.2 g shall be used for
5.7 Pilot Igniter, consisting of a nominal 1.8 6 0.3-mm
materials having a density greater than 100 kg/m .
inside diameter (ID) copper tubing attached to a gas supply of
7.2.1 Instructions for Specific Types of Test Specimens:
94 % minimum purity propane and placed horizontally 5 6 1
7.2.1.1 For sheet materials, cut the sheet into squares of 20
mm above the top surface of the disk cover. The pilot flame
62by20 6 2 mm maximum size, and stack these to a height
shall be adjusted to 20 6 2 mm in length and centered above
that gives the required specimen mass.
the opening in the disk cover.
7.2.1.2 For film materials, roll a strip 20 6 2 mm wide and
of length sufficient to give the required specimen mass.
5.8 Specimen Support and Holder—The specimen pan con-
sists of a metal container of approximately 0.5-mm thick steel 7.2.1.3 For cellular materials having a density less than
100kg/m , remove any outer skin and cut the specimens in the
measuring 406 2 mm in diameter by 15 6 2 mm in depth. It
is held in a ring of approximately 2.0-mm diameter stainless form of a block measuring 20 62by20 62by50 6 5 mm.
steel welding rod. The ring is welded to a length of the same
7.3 Sufficient material is required for at least two determi-
type of rod extending through the cover of the furnace, as
nations.
shown in Fig. 1. The bottom of the specimen pan shall be
7.4 Thetestspecimensshallbeconditionedat23 62°Cand
located 185 6 5 mm down from the top of the inner furnace
50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to test,
tube.
in accordance with Practice D618.
5.9 Thermocouples, 0.5-mm diameter, Chromel-Alumel
8. Procedure
(Type K) or Iron-Constantan (Type J), for temperature mea-
surement connected to a calibrated recording instrument with a
8.1 Flash Ignition Temperature (FIT):
tolerance not exceeding 62°C. The thermocouple tolerance
8.1.1 Set the air velocity to 25 mm/s by adjusting the actual
shall be in accordance with IEC 584-2, Table 1, Class 2 or
air flow rate through the full section of the inner tube at the
better.
furnace temperature, using the following formula:
5.10 Heating Control—Asuitablevariabletransformeroran
Q 5 6.62 3
automatic controller connected in ser
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D1929 − 13a D1929 − 14
Standard Test Method for
Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1929; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This fire test response test method covers a laboratory determination of the flash ignition temperature and spontaneous
ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 Caution—During the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved that have the potential to be hazardous
to personnel.
1.4 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-risk assessment of the materials,
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.5 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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 statements are given in 1.3 and 1.4.
NOTE 1—This test method and ISO 871-1996 are identical in all technical details.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
2.2 International Standards:
ISO 871-1996 Plastics—Determination of Ignition Temperature Using a Hot-Air Furnace
ISO 5725 Precision of Test Methods—Determination of Repeatability and Reproducibility for Standard Test Methods by
Interlaboratory Tests
IEC 584-2 Thermocouples—Part 2: Tolerances
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms relating to fire, see Terminology E176.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 flash ignition temperature (FIT)—the minimum temperature at which, under specified test conditions, sufficient flammable
gases are emitted to ignite momentarily upon application of a small external pilot flame.
3.2.2 glowing combustion—combustion of a material in the solid phase without flame but with emission of light from the
combustion zone, caused by slow decomposition and carbonization at various points in the specimen, without general ignition
occurring.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties.30.03).
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2013Dec. 1, 2014. Published November 2013December 2014. Originally approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2013
as D1929 – 13.D1929 – 13a. DOI:10.1520/D1929-13A.DOI:10.1520/D1929-14.
In 1996, this test method was totally revised to be technically equal to ISO 871-1996, and a specific air velocity is specified, which eliminates the need for approximations.
The following reference may be of interest in connection with this test method: Stetchkin, N. P., “A Method and Apparatus for Determining the Ignition Characteristics
of Plastics,” Journal of Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Vol 43, No. 6, December 1949 (RP 2052), p. 591.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1929 − 14
3.2.3 spontaneous ignition temperature or self-ignition temperature (SIT)—the minimum temperature at which the self-heating
properties of the specimen lead to ignition or ignition occurs of itself, under specified test conditions, in the absence of any
additional flame ignition source.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Tests made under conditions herein prescribed can be of considerable value in comparing the relative ignition characteristics
of different materials. Values obtained represent the lowest ambient air temperature that will cause ignition of the material under
the conditions of this test. Test values are expected to rank materials according to ignition susceptibility under actual use
conditions.
4.2 This test is not intended to be the sole criterion for fire hazard. In addition to ignition temperatures, fire hazards include other
factors such as burning rate or flame spread, intensity of burning, fuel contribution, products of combustion, and others.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Hot-Air Ignition Furnace—A furnace similar to that shown in Fig. 1, consisting primarily of an electrical heating unit and
FIG. 1 Cross Section of Hot-Air Ignition Furnace
D1929 − 14
specimen holder.
5.2 Furnace Tube—A vertical tube with an inside diameter of 100 6 5 mm and a length of 230 6 20 mm, made of a ceramic
that will withstand at least 750°C. The vertical tube stands on the furnace floor, fitted with a plug for the removal of accumulated
residue.
5.3 Inner Ceramic Tube—A ceramic tube that will withstand at least 750°C, with an inside diameter of 75 6 5 mm, length of
230 6 2306 20 mm, and thickness of approximately 3 mm, placed inside the furnace tube and positioned 20 6 2 mm above the
furnace floor on three small spacer blocks. The top is covered by a disk of heat-resistant material with a 25 6 2-mm diameter
opening in the center that is used for observation and passage of smoke and gases. The pilot flame is located immediately above
the opening.
NOTE 2—Fire resistant materials such as silica glass and stainless steel have also been found suitable for this application.
5.4 Air Source—An outside air source to supply clean air near the top of the annular space between the ceramic tubes, through
a copper tube at a steady and controllable rate. Air shall be heated and circulated in the space between the two tubes and enter the
inner furnace tube at the bottom. Air shall be metered by a rotameter or other suitable device.
5.5 Electrical Heating Unit, contained within the mineral fiber sleeve and constructed of 50 turns of 1.3 6 0.1 mm Nichrome
V alloy wire, wound around the furnace tube and embedded in heat-resistant cement.
NOTE 3—Other constructions such as finely coiled wire embedded in molded ceramic fiber have also been found to be acceptable.
5.6 Insulation, consisting of a layer of mineral fiber, approximately 60-mm thick, and covered by a metal jacket.
5.7 Pilot Igniter, consisting of a nominal 1.8 6 0.3-mm inside diameter (ID) copper tubing attached to a gas supply of 94 %
minimum purity propane and placed horizontally 5 6 1 mm above the top surface of the disk cover. The pilot flame shall be
adjusted to 20 6 2 mm in length and centered above the opening in the disk cover.
5.8 Specimen Support and Holder—The specimen pan consists of a metal container of approximately 0.5-mm thick steel
measuring 40 6 406 2 mm in diameter by 15 6 2 mm in depth. It is held in a ring of approximately 2.0-mm diameter stainless
steel welding rod. The ring is welded to a length of the same type of rod extending through the cover of the furnace, as shown
in Fig. 1. The bottom of the specimen pan shall be located 185 6 5 mm down from the top of the inner furnace tube.
5.9 Thermocouples, 0.5-mm diameter, Chromel-Alumel (Type K) or Iron-Constantan (Type J), for temperature measurement
connected to a calibrated recording instrument with a tolerance not exceeding 62°C. The thermocouple tolerance shall be in
accordance with IEC 584-2, Table 1, Class 2 or better.
5.10 Heating Control—A suitable variable transformer or an automatic controller connected in series with the heating coils.
5.11 Timing Device, having an accuracy of at least 1 s.
6. Location of Thermocouples
6.1 Thermocouple TC measures the temperature, T , of the specimen. It is located as close as possible to the center of the upper
1 1
surface of the specimen when the specimen is in place within the furnace. The thermocouple wire is attached to the specimen
support rod.
6.2 Thermocouple TC gives some indication of the temperature, T , of the air traveling past the specimen. It is located 10 6
2 2
2 mm below the center of the specimen pan. The thermocouple wire is attached to the specimen support rod.
NOTE 4—Thermocouple TC may be installed through a hole drilled adjacent to the inspection plug below the specimen pan.
6.3 Thermocouple TC measures the temperature, T , of the heating coil. It is located adjacent to the furnace heating coil and
3 3
is used as a reference for temperature adjustment purposes because of its faster response.purposes. A metallic sheathed
thermocouple with a diameter not greater than 1.7 mm is permitted to be used for thermocouple TC . The limit on thermocouple
thickness in 5.9 does not apply to thermocouple TC .
NOTE 5—Thermocouple TC may be a 1.6 6 0.1-mm diameter metallic sheathed thermocouple.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 It is acceptable to use as test specimens materials, or products, supplied in any form, with some examples being pellets,
powders and films. It is also acceptable to use composites as test specimens. The test report shall include full details of the form
in which the test specimens have been tested.
NOTE 5—Specimens containing high levels of inorganic fillers are difficult to evaluate.
NOTE 6—In some cases the same material will give different results if tested in different forms.
7.2 A specimen mass of 3.0 6 0.2 g shall be used for materials having a density greater than 100 kg/m .
7.2.1 Instructions for Specific Types of Test Specimens:
7.2.1.1 For sheet materials, cut the sheet into squares of 20 6 2 by 20 6 2 mm maximum size, and stack these to a height that
gives the required specimen mass.
D1929 − 14
7.2.1.2 For film materials, roll a strip 20 6 2 mm wide and of length sufficient to give the required specimen mass.
7.2.1.3 For cellular materials having a density less than 100kg/m , remove any outer skin and cut the specimens in the form of
a block measuring 20 6 2 by 20 6 2 by 50 6 5 mm.
7.3 Sufficient material is required for at least two determinations.
7.4 The test specimens shall be conditioned at 23 6 2°C and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to test,
in accordance with Practice D618.
8. Procedure
8.1 Flash Ignition Temperature (FIT):
8.1.1 Set the air velocity to 25 mm/s by adjusting the actual air flow rate through the full section of the inner tube at the furnace
temperature, using the following formula:
Q 5 6.62 3
v
T
where:
Q = air flow rate, L/min, and
v
T = temperature, K, at T .
Ensure that the air flow rate is maintained at 610 % of the calculated value.
8.1.2 Adjust the electric current supplied to the heating coil by means of the variable transformer or automatic controller, by
reference to temperature T until the air temperature, T , remains constant at the desired initial test temperature.
3 2
NOTE 8—The temperature of 400°C is used when no prior knowledge of the probable flash ignition temperature range is available. Other starting
temperatures may be selected if information on the material indicates a better choice.
8.1.2.1 The default initial test temperature shall be 400°C when no prior knowledge of the probable ignition temperature of the
material or product to be tested is available.
8.1.2.2 If the approximate ignition temperature of the material or product to be tested is known, set the initial test temperature
to 50°C below the expected ignition temperature.
8.1.3 Proceed as shown in 8.1.3.1 through 8.1.3.4 to assess the flash ignition temperature. Ignition is likely to be followed by
continuous burning of the specimen.
8.1.3.1 Raise the specimen pan to the cover opening, and place the specimen on the pan.
8.1.3.2 Lower the pan into the furnace, while ensuring that thermocouples TC and TC are in their correct position, as per 6.1
1 2
and 6.2.
8.1.3.3 Start the timer and ignite the pilot flame.
8.1.3.4 Watch for the occurrence of the following events, any one of which represents evidence of ignition:
(1) flaming combustion of the specimen,
(2) glowing combustion of the specimen,
(3) flash,
(4) explosion,
(5) rapid rise in temperature T as compared to temperature above that of T .
1 2
8.1.4 At the end of 10 min, depending on whether ignition has or has not occurred, lower or raise the temperature T by 50°C
accordingly, and repeat the test with a fresh specimen.
8.1.5 When the range within which the flash ignition temperature lies has been determined, begin the test 10°C below the
highest temperature within this range, and continue by dropping the temperature in 10°C steps until the temperature is reached at
which there is no ignition during a 10 min period.
8.1.6 Record the lowest air temperature, T , at which a flash is observed, during the 10 min period, as the flash ignition
temperature.
8.2 Spontaneous Ignition Temperature (SIT):
8.2.1 Follow the same procedure as described in 8.1, but without the pilot flame. with two exceptions:
(1) do not use pilot flame;
(2) use the evidences of ignition listed in 8.2.2 instead of those listed in 8.1.3.4.
8.2.2 Ignition will be evidenced by flaming or glowing combustion of the specimen. It may be difficult, with some materials,
to detect spontaneous ignition visually when burning is by glowing combustion rather than flaming. In such cases, a rapid rise in
temperature The occurrence of any one T above that of Tthe accompanied by a visual observation is the more reliable
1 2
reference.following events is considered evidence of spontaneous ignition:
(1) flaming combustion of the specimen;
(2) glowing combustion of the specimen;
(3) rapid rise in temperature of T above that of T .
1 2
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