ASTM D4804-23

Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The test results represent the afterflame and afterglow times, in seconds, for a material under the conditions of the test.  
5.2 The afterflame and afterglow times and other burning phenomena will vary with thickness. Test data shall only be compared with data for material of the same comparable thickness.  
5.3 The effect of material thickness, colors, additives, deterioration, and possible loss of volatile components is measurable.  
5.4 The results serve as a reference for comparing the relative performance of materials and can be an aid in material selection.  
5.5 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it will not always be possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test exposure conditions described in this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response test methods describe small-scale laboratory procedures for determining the comparative burning characteristics of solid plastic materials that, due to specimen thinness and nonrigidity, distort, shrink, and/or are consumed up to holding clamp when tested using Test Method D3801. 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.  
1.2 The classification system described in Appendix X1 is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component materials for products.  
1.3 This standard measures and describes 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.
Note 1: This standard is equivalent to ISO 9773, IEC 60695-11-10, and UL 94 (Section 11).
Note 2: For rate of burning of nonrigid solid plastics in a horizontal position, formerly Test Method B of this test method, see Test Method D635.  
1.4 This test method is not intended to cover plastics when used as materials for building construction or finishing.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 6.1.1.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2023
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.30 - Thermal Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM D5025-20a - Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5025-20 - Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D3801-19a - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3801-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018

Overview

ASTM D4804-23, published by ASTM International, is the Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics. This method provides a laboratory procedure for evaluating the burning behavior-specifically afterflame and afterglow times-of nonrigid, thin plastic materials when exposed to a controlled ignition source. The standard supports quality assurance and material preselection in product development, especially where the flammability of flexible solid plastics is a key concern.

Key Topics

• Test Method: ASTM D4804-23 describes a small-scale vertical burning test in which a flame is applied to the base of a vertically held plastic specimen. Afterflame and afterglow times are measured upon removal of the ignition source.
• Scope and Limitations:
  • Focuses on nonrigid solid plastics that distort, shrink, or are consumed up to the holding clamp under test conditions.
  • The method is intended for comparative evaluation and does not provide a comprehensive fire hazard or risk assessment.
  • Results are only valid under the specified laboratory conditions and are not intended for building construction materials.
• Significance and Use:
  • Provides quantifiable data (seconds of afterflame and afterglow) for material comparison.
  • Burning characteristics depend on thickness, color, additives, and material condition.
  • Supports material selection by offering a reference framework for evaluating flammability.
• Safety Considerations: Due to the hazardous nature of fire testing and the production of toxic combustion products, the test must be conducted with adequate safeguards in place.

Applications

ASTM D4804-23 is widely used in industries where flammability of thin, flexible plastic materials is critical, such as:

• Consumer Electronics: Assessing internal plastic components for flame resistance.
• Automotive: Preselecting nonrigid plastics for interior applications where fire safety is regulated.
• Appliance Manufacturing: Comparing materials for use in parts that may be exposed to electrical faults or heat.
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring production consistency and compliance with internal or regulatory flame retardance criteria.

The classification system provided in the standard (optional in reporting) aids manufacturers and specifiers in designating performance categories (such as VTM-0, VTM-1, VTM-2), streamlining specification and certification processes.

Related Standards

When implementing ASTM D4804-23, several related international and ASTM standards are often referenced for comprehensive evaluation:

• ASTM D635: Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position (for nonrigid plastics tested horizontally).
• ASTM D3801: Testing method for solid plastics in a vertical position.
• ISO 9773: Burning behaviour of thin flexible plastics in vertical orientation-considered technically equivalent to D4804.
• IEC 60695-11-10 & UL 94 (Section 11): Global standards for testing flammability of plastic materials.
• ASTM D883, E176, and ISO 13943: Provide terminology for plastics and fire testing.
• ASTM D5025, D5207: Define laboratory burner and calibration procedures for small-scale burning tests.

Practical Value

By following ASTM D4804-23, organizations can ensure that nonrigid plastic components meet consistent flammability criteria, supporting product safety and regulatory compliance. The method enables comparative analysis of new formulations or material changes, helping companies to validate and document flame-retardant properties. It is a key tool in product development for reducing fire risks in finished goods made from flexible plastics.

Keywords: ASTM D4804-23, flammability testing, nonrigid plastics, afterflame, afterglow, plastics fire test, flexible plastic materials, vertical burn test, flame resistance, quality assurance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4804 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid
Solid Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4804; 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* ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This fire-test-response test methods describe small-scale
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
laboratory procedures for determining the comparative burning
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
characteristics of solid plastic materials that, due to specimen
thinness and nonrigidity, distort, shrink, and/or are consumed
2. Referenced Documents
up to holding clamp when tested using Test Method D3801. A
2.1 ASTM Standards:
flame is applied to the base of specimens held in a vertical
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and
position and the extinguishing times are determined upon
Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
removal of the test flame.
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
1.2 The classification system described in Appendix X1 is
D3801 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning
intended for quality assurance and the preselection of compo-
Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
nent materials for products.
D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-
1.3 This standard measures and describes the response of
Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
D5207 Practice for Confirmation of 20-mm (50-W) and
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all
125-mm (500-W) Test Flames for Small-Scale Burning
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
Tests on Plastic Materials
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
NOTE 1—This standard is equivalent to ISO 9773, IEC 60695-11-10,
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
and UL 94 (Section 11).
NOTE 2—For rate of burning of nonrigid solid plastics in a horizontal Determine the Precision of a Test Method
position, formerly Test Method B of this test method, see Test Method
E2935 Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing
D635.
Processes
1.4 This test method is not intended to cover plastics when
2.2 ISO Standards:
used as materials for building construction or finishing.
ISO 9773:1998 Plastics—Determination of Burning Behav-
iour of Thin Flexible Vertical Specimens in Contact With
1.5 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
a Small Flame Ignition Source
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
conducting these tests.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to plastics,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the definitions in this test method are in accordance with
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Terminology D883. For terms relating to fire, the definitions in
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
this test method are in accordance with Terminology E176 and
For specific hazard statements, see 6.1.1.
ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given in
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
Terminology E176 shall prevail. For terms relating to precision
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D4804 – 20. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D4804-23. 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
D4804 − 23
and bias and associated issues, the terms used in this test istics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the
method are in accordance with the definitions in Terminology fire-test exposure conditions described in this test method.
E456.
6. Apparatus
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 flame-application time—the time in seconds that the
6.1 Test Chamber—An enclosure or laboratory hood with a
flame from the burner is in contact with the specimen.
minimum capacity of 0.5 m , free of induced or forced draft
3.2.2 flaming material—flaming drips or particles from the during testing. An enclosed laboratory hood with a heat-
resistant glass window and an exhaust fan for removing the
specimen which ignite the dry, absorbent 100 % surgical cotton
products of combustion immediately after the tests are recom-
placed 300 mm 6 10 mm below the test specimen.
mended. If a draft is noted with the exhaust fan off, further
3.2.3 afterflame—persistence of flaming of a material, after
measures are needed to eliminate the draft, such as adding a
the ignition source has been removed.
positive closing damper. The inside surfaces of the chamber
3.2.4 afterflame time—the length of time for which a mate-
shall be of a dark color. When a light meter, facing towards the
rial continues to flame, under specified conditions, after the
rear of the chamber is positioned in place of the test specimen,
ignition source has been removed.
the light level shall be less than 20 lx.
3.2.5 afterglow—persistence of glowing of a material, after
6.1.1 Warning—Products of combustion are toxic. Provide
cessation of flaming or, if no flaming occurs, after removal of
an exhause fan for removing the products of combustion
the ignition source.
immediately after the test.
3.2.6 afterglow time—the length of time for which a mate-
NOTE 3—Placing a mirror in the hood, to provide a rear view of the test
rial continues to glow under specified test conditions, after the
specimen, has been found useful.
ignition source has been removed or cessation of flaming, or
6.2 Laboratory Burner, constructed in accordance with
both.
Specification D5025.
3.2.7 flame—to undergo combustion in the gaseous phase
with emission of light.
6.3 Ring Stand, with a clamp or the equivalent, adjustable
3.2.8 glow—visible light, other than from flaming, emitted for vertical positioning of specimens.
by a solid undergoing combustion.
6.4 Gas Supply—A supply of technical-grade methane gas
(Min. 98 % pure) with suitable regulator and meter for uniform
4. Summary of Test Method
gas flow. Natural gas having an energy density of 37 6 1
3 3
4.1 This test method consists of subjecting the lower end of
MJ/m (1000 Btu/ft ) has been found to provide similar results.
vertically held specimens to a 20 6 1 mm test flame for two
However, technical-grade methane gas shall be used as the
3-second flame applications. The 200 6 5 mm by 50 6 2 mm
referee gas in cases of dispute. Other fuel gases such as butane,
specimens are preformed around a 13 6 0.5 mm diameter
propane, and acetylene have higher energy density and are not
mandrel. The afterflame time is recorded after the first flame
suitable.
application and the afterflame and afterglow times are recorded
6.5 Timer—Stopwatch or other suitable timing device ca-
after the second flame application. Information is also recorded
pable of timing to the nearest 0.5-seconds.
on whether or not flaming material drips from the specimens.
6.6 Cotton—A supply of dry, absorbent 100 % surgical
5. Significance and Use
cotton.
5.1 The test results represent the afterflame and afterglow
6.7 Desiccator, containing anhydrous calcium chloride or
times, in seconds, for a material under the conditions of the
other suitable drying agent, capable of maintaining a relative
test.
humidity not exceeding 20 % at 23 6 2°C.
5.2 The afterflame and afterglow times and other burning
6.8 Conditioning Room or Chamber, capable of being main-
phenomena will vary with thickness. Test data shall only be
tained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 10 %.
compared with data for material of the same comparable
thickness.
6.9 Conditioning Oven—A full-draft circulating-air oven
5.3 The effect of material thickness, colors, additives,
capable of being maintained at 70 6 2°C.
deterioration, and possible loss of volatile components is
6.10 Specimen Mandrel Guide, 13 6 0.5-mm diameter rod.
measurable.
6.11 Micrometer, capable of being read to 0.01 mm.
5.4 The results serve as a reference for comparing the
relative performance of materials and can be an aid in material
6.12 Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tape, of a commercially-
selection.
available type.
5.5 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or
6.13 Weighing Scale or Balance, having an accuracy and
more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test
resolution of 0.01 g.
conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are
changed, it will not always be possible by or from this test 6.14 Stainless steel or nichrome wire, of diameter 0.2 mm to
method to predict changes in the fire-test-response character- 0.5 mm.
D4804 − 23
7. Sampling the upper 75-mm segment above the 125-mm mark and at the
upper end of the tube with pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.
7.1 Unless otherwise agreed, material shall be sampled in
The mandrel shall then be removed. If the material is prone to
accordance with good statistical practice.
developing static charges that make the formation of a cylinder
difficult, it is acceptable to deionize the unformed specimen
8. Test Specimens
using a device or material intended for that purpose.
8.1 Since the results of tests carried out on test specimens of
8.5 A minimum of 20 specimens shall be prepared. Prepare
different colors, thicknesses, densities, molecular masses, di-
additional specimens for retest purposes, if necessary.
rections of orientation, or containing different levels or
8.6 It is possible that different generic materials, although
amounts of additives, fillers, or reinforcements, are potentially
different, apply the additional considerations indicated in 8.1 capable of being wrapped and taped around the mandrel, will
exhibit varying degrees of flaring out of the untaped end, some
through 8.1.3.
8.1.1 When conducting tests on test specimens at the of which will potentially result in nonlapped “U” type speci-
minimum and maximum densities, melt flows and levels of mens. These various forms are considered acceptable to test if
it is possible to form the upper end into the cylinder. When
fillers or of reinforcements, consider only those test results
representative of the complete range, if the test results yield the testing stiff specimens, reinforce or replace the pressure-
sensitive tape by wrapping nichrome wire around the top 75
same burning characteristics, including the same flame test
classification. mm of the specimen. See Fig. 1(c).
8.1.2 If the burning characteristics, including flame test
classification, are not essentially the same for all test specimens 9. Conditioning
representing the range tested, consider the test results only that
9.1 Prepare the cylindrical specimens before the condition-
apply to those materials for which the actual color, thickness,
ing. Condition specimen sets as follows:
density, molecular mass, melt flow characteristics and level of
9.1.1 Condition one set of five specimens for at least 48 h at
additives, fillers, and or reinforcements have been tested. Test
a temperature of 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6
additional specimens for intermediate ranges of each property.
10 % prior to testing.
8.1.3 Un-pigmented test specimens and test specimens with
9.1.2 Condition a second set of five specimens in a
the highest level of organic and inorganic pigment loadin
...

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: D4804 − 20 D4804 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid
Solid Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4804; 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 methods describe small-scale laboratory procedures for determining the comparative burning
characteristics of solid plastic materials that, due to specimen thinness and nonrigidity, distort, shrink, and/or are consumed up to
holding clamp when tested using Test Method D3801. 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.
1.2 The classification system described in Appendix X1 is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component
materials for products.
1.3 This standard measures and describes 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.
NOTE 1—This standard is equivalent to ISO 9773, IEC 60695-11-10, and UL 94 (Section 11).
NOTE 2—For rate of burning of nonrigid solid plastics in a horizontal position, formerly Test Method B of this test method, see Test Method D635.
1.4 This test method is not intended to cover plastics when used as materials for building construction or finishing.
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 6.1.1.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2020Feb. 1, 2023. Published March 2020February 2023. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20192020 as
D4804 – 19a.D4804 – 20. DOI: 10.1520/D4804-20.10.1520/D4804-23.
*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
D4804 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
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
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2935 Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing Processes
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 9773:1998 Plastics—Determination of Burning Behaviour of Thin Flexible Vertical Specimens in Contact With a Small
Flame Ignition Source
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to plastics, the definitions in this test method are in accordance with Terminology
D883. For terms relating to fire, the definitions in this test method are in accordance with Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In
case of conflict, the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall prevail. For terms relating to precision and bias and associated
issues, the terms used in this test method are in accordance with the definitions in Terminology E456.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 flame-application time—the time in seconds that the flame from the burner is in contact with the specimen.
3.2.2 flaming material—flaming drips or particles from the specimen which ignite the dry, absorbent 100 % surgical cotton placed
300 mm 6 10 mm below the test specimen.
3.2.3 afterflame—persistence of flaming of a material, after the ignition source has been removed.
3.2.4 afterflame time—the length of time for which a material continues to flame, under specified conditions, after the ignition
source has been removed.
3.2.5 afterglow—persistence of glowing of a material, after cessation of flaming or, if no flaming occurs, after removal of the
ignition source.
3.2.6 afterglow time—the length of time for which a material continues to glow under specified test conditions, after the ignition
source has been removed or cessation of flaming, or both.
3.2.7 flame—to undergo combustion in the gaseous phase with emission of light.
3.2.8 glow—visible light, other than from flaming, emitted by a solid undergoing combustion.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of subjecting the lower end of vertically held specimens to a 20 6 1 mm test flame for two 3-second
flame applications. The 200 6 5 mm by 50 6 2 mm specimens are preformed around a 13 6 0.5 mm diameter mandrel. The
afterflame time is recorded after the first flame application and the afterflame and afterglow times are recorded after the second
flame application. Information is also recorded on whether or not flaming material drips from the specimens.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. 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.
D4804 − 23
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The test results represent the afterflame and afterglow times, in seconds, for a material under the conditions of the test.
5.2 The afterflame and afterglow times and other burning phenomena will vary with thickness. Test data shall only be compared
with data for material of the same comparable thickness.
5.3 The effect of material thickness, colors, additives, deterioration, and possible loss of volatile components is measurable.
5.4 The results serve as a reference for comparing the relative performance of materials and can be an aid in material selection.
5.5 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test
conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it will not always be possible by or from this test method to
predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test exposure
conditions described in this test method.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Chamber—An enclosure or laboratory hood with a minimum capacity of 0.5 m , free of induced or forced draft during
testing. An enclosed laboratory hood with a heat-resistant glass window and an exhaust fan for removing the products of
combustion immediately after the tests are recommended. If a draft is noted with the exhaust fan off, further measures are needed
to eliminate the draft, such as adding a positive closing damper. The inside surfaces of the chamber shall be of a dark color. When
a light meter, facing towards the rear of the chamber is positioned in place of the test specimen, the light level shall be less than
20 lx.
6.1.1 Warning—Products of combustion are toxic. Provide an exhause fan for removing the products of combustion immediately
after the test.
NOTE 3—Placing a mirror in the hood, to provide a rear view of the test specimen, has been found useful.
6.2 Laboratory Burner, constructed in accordance with Specification D5025.
6.3 Ring Stand, with a clamp or the equivalent, adjustable for vertical positioning of specimens.
6.4 Gas Supply—A supply of technical-grade methane gas (Min. 98 % pure) with suitable regulator and meter for uniform gas
3 3
flow. Natural gas having an energy density of 37 6 1 MJ/m (1000 Btu/ft ) has been found to provide similar results. However,
technical-grade methane gas shall be used as the referee gas in cases of dispute. Other fuel gases such as butane, propane, and
acetylene have higher energy density and are not suitable.
6.5 Timer—Stopwatch or other suitable timing device capable of timing to the nearest 0.5-seconds.
6.6 Cotton—A supply of dry, absorbent 100 % surgical cotton.
6.7 Desiccator, containing anhydrous calcium chloride or other suitable drying agent, capable of maintaining a relative humidity
not exceeding 20 % at 23 6 2°C.
6.8 Conditioning Room or Chamber, capable of being maintained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 10 %.
6.9 Conditioning Oven—A full-draft circulating-air oven capable of being maintained at 70 6 2°C.
6.10 Specimen Mandrel Guide, 13 6 0.5-mm diameter rod.
6.11 Micrometer, capable of being read to 0.01 mm.
D4804 − 23
6.12 Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tape, of a commercially-available type.
6.13 Weighing Scale or Balance, having an accuracy and resolution of 0.01 g.
6.14 Stainless steel or nichrome wire, of diameter 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.
7. Sampling
7.1 Unless otherwise agreed, material shall be sampled in accordance with good statistical practice.
8. Test Specimens
8.1 Since the results of tests carried out on test specimens of different colors, thicknesses, densities, molecular masses, directions
of orientation, or containing different levels or amounts of additives, fillers, or reinforcements, are potentially different, apply the
additional considerations indicated in 8.1 through 8.1.3.
8.1.1 When conducting tests on test specimens at the minimum and maximum densities, melt flows and levels of fillers or of
reinforcements, consider only those test results representative of the complete range, if the test results yield the same burning
characteristics, including the same flame test classification.
8.1.2 If the burning characteristics, including flame test classification, are not essentially the same for all test specimens
representing the range tested, consider the test results only that apply to those materials for which the actual color, thickness,
density, molecular mass, melt flow characteristics and level of additives, fillers, and or reinforcements have been tested. Test
additional specimens for intermediate ranges of each property.
8.1.3 Un-pigmented test specimens and test specimens with the highest level of organic and inorganic pigment loading by weight
are considered representative of the color range, if the test results yield the same flame test classification. When certain pigments
are known to affect flammability characteristics, they are also to be tested. Test specimens to be tested are those that:
(a) contain no pigments (natural)
(b) contain the highest level of organic pigments
(c) contain the highest level of inorganic pigments
(d) contain pigments which are known to adversely affect flammability characteristics
8.2 All specimens shall be cut from a representative sample of the material (sheets or end-products). After any cutting operation,
care shall be taken to remove all dust and any particles from the surface; cut edges shall have a smooth finish.
8.3 Standard specimens shall be 200 6 5 mm long, 50 6 2 mm wide and a maximum of 0.25 mm thick. Measure the thickness
of each to the nearest 0.01 mm and note the measurements.
8.3.1 Specimens >0.25 mm thick can be subjected to this test method if the specimens due to their thinness and nonrigidity, distort,
shrink and/or are consumed up to holding clamp when tested using Test Method D3801.
8.3.2 Tests made on specimens of different thicknesses and made in different directions of anisotropy are not always comparable.
8.4 Specimens shall be prepared by marking a line across the specimen width 125 mm 6 5 mm from one end (bottom) of the cut
specimen. The longitudinal axis of the specimen shall be wrapped tightly around the longitudinal axis of the mandrel to form a
lapped cylinder with the 125-mm line exposed. The overlapping portions of the specimens shall be secured within the upper 75-mm
segment above the 125-mm mark and at the upper end of the tube with pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The mandrel shall then
be removed. If the material is prone to developing static charges that make the formation of a cylinder difficult, it is acceptable
to deionize
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