ASTM D4804-98
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
Standard Test Methods for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: D 4804 – 98
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid
Solid Plastics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4804; 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 guishing Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical
Position
1.1 These fire-test-response test methods describe small-
D 5025 Specification for a Laboratory Burner Used for
scale laboratory procedures for determining the comparative
Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
burning characteristics of solid plastic materials that, due to
D 5207 Practice for Calibration of 20 and 125 mm Test
specimen thinness and nonrigidity, may distort or shrink when
Flames for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materi-
tested using Test Method D 3801. A flame is applied to the base
als
of specimens held in a vertical position and the extinguishing
E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
times are determined upon removal of the test flame.
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.2 The classification system described in Appendix X1 is
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
intended for quality assurance and the preselection of compo-
2.2 ISO Standards:
nent materials for products.
ISO 9773–98 Plastics—Determination of Burning Behav-
1.3 This standard measures and describes the response of
iour of Thin Flexible Vertical Specimens in Contact With
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
a Small Flame Ignition Source
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
3. Terminology
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of fire-related terms used in
NOTE 1—These test methods and ISO 9773 are equivalent.
these test methods, refer to Terminology E 176.
NOTE 2—For rate of burning of nonrigid solid plastics in a horizontal
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
position, formerly Test Method B of these test methods, see Test Method
3.2.1 flame-impingement time, n—the time in seconds that
D 635, section 9.4.
the flame from the burner is in contact with the specimen.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2 flaming material, n—flaming drips or particles from
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the specimen which ignite the dry, absorbent surgical cotton
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
placed 300 mm below the test specimen.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.3 afterflame, n—persistence of flaming of a material,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
after the ignition source has been removed.
statements, see Note 3.
3.2.4 afterflame time, n—the length of time for which a
material continues to flame, under specified conditions, after
2. Referenced Documents
the ignition source has been removed.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.5 afterglow, n—persistence of glowing of a material,
D 635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and
after cessation of flaming or, if no flaming occurs, after
Time of Burning of Self-Supporting Plastics in a Horizon-
removal of the ignition source.
tal Position
3.2.6 afterglow time, n—the length of time for which a
D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics
material continues to glow under specified test conditions, after
D 3801 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Extin-
the ignition source has been removed or cessation of flaming,
or both.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.
Properties. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Current edition approved July 10, 1998. Published February 1999. Originally
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
published as D 4804 – 88. Last previous edition D 4804 – 91.
Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd St., 13th
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4804
3.2.7 flame, v—to undergo combustion in the gaseous phase 6.5 Timer—Stopwatch or other suitable timing device ca-
with emission of light. pable of timing to the nearest 0.5-s.
3.2.8 glow, n—visible light, other than from flaming, emit- 6.6 Cotton—A supply of dry, absorbent 100 % cotton.
ted by a solid undergoing combustion. 6.7 Desiccator, containing a suitable drying agent, capable
of maintaining a relative humidity not exceeding 20 % at 23°C
4. Summary of Test Method
6 2°C.
4.1 These test methods consist of subjecting the lower end
6.8 Conditioning Room or Chamber, capable of being
of vertically held specimens to a 20-mm test flame for two 3-s
maintained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 5%.
flame applications. The 200 by 50-mm specimens are pre-
6.9 Conditioning Oven—A full-draft circulating-air oven
formed around a 13-mm diameter mandrel. The afterflame time
capable of being maintained at 70 6 2°C.
is recorded after the first flame application and the afterflame
6.10 Specimen Mandrel Guide,13 6 0.5-mm diameter rod.
and afterglow times are recorded after the second flame
6.11 Micrometer, capable of being read to 0.01 mm.
application. Information is also recorded on whether or not
6.12 Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Tape, of a commercially-
flaming material drips from the specimens.
available type.
6.13 Weighing Scale or Balance, having an accuracy and
5. Significance and Use
resolution of 0.01 g.
5.1 The test results represent the afterflame and afterglow
times, in seconds, for a material under the conditions of the
7. Sampling
test.
7.1 Unless otherwise agreed, material shall be sampled in
5.2 The afterflame and afterglow times and other burning
accordance with the sections on General Sampling Procedures
phenomena will vary with thickness. Test data should only be
and Specific Sampling Procedures of Practice D 1898.
compared with data for material of comparable thickness.
8. Test Specimen
Useful information may be obtained from a plot of afterflame
and afterglow times versus thickness.
8.1 Cut at least ten test specimens, 200 6 5 mm in length by
5.3 The effect of material thickness, colors, additives, dete-
50 6 2 mm in width, and of the thickness of material normally
rioration, and possible loss of volatile components is measur-
supplied, from sheet material. Prepare the test specimens by
able.
marking a line across the specimen width, 125 6 5 mm from
5.4 The results serve as a reference for comparing the
the bottom end of the cut specimen. Wrap the longitudinal axis
relative performance of materials and can be an aid in material
of the test specimen tightly around the longitudinal axis of a 13
selection.
6 0.5-mm diameter mandrel to form a lapped cylinder
5.5 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or
200-mm long with the 125-mm line exposed. Use pressure-
more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test
sensitive tape to secure the overlapping ends of the specimen
conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are
within the 75-mm portion of the 125-mm mark and at the upper
changed, it may not be possible by or from this test method to
tube section. After the cylinder is formed, remove the mandrel.
predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics mea-
If the material is prone to developing static charges which
sured; therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test
make the formation of a cylinder difficult, use a static neutral-
exposure conditions described in this test method.
izing device or material to deionize the unformed specimen.
6. Apparatus
NOTE 4—For stiff specimens, the pressure-sensitive tape may be
reinforced or replaced by nichrome wire wound around the top 75 mm of
6.1 Test Chamber—An enclosure or laboratory hood with a
the specimen.
minimum capacity of 0.5 m , free of induced or forced draft
during testing. An enclosed laboratory hood with a heat- 8.2 Different generic materials, although capable of being
wrapped and taped around the mandrel, may exhibit varying
resistant glass window and an exhaust fan for removing the
products of combustion immediately after the tests are recom- degrees of flaring out of the untaped end, some of which may
result in nonlapped “U” type specimens. These various forms
mended. (Warning—See Note 3.) Laboratory hoods may have
induced drafts even with the exhaust fan off. A positive closing are considered acceptable to test if the upper end can be formed
into the cylinder.
damper may be needed.
NOTE 3—Warning: Products of combustion may be toxic.
9. Conditioning
6.2 Laboratory Burner, constructed in accordance with 9.1 The cylindrical specimens may be prepared before or
Specification D 5025.
after the conditioning. Condition specimen sets as follows:
6.3 Ring Stand, with a clamp or the equivalent, adjustable 9.1.1 Condition one set of five specimens for at least 48 h at
for vertical positioning of specimens.
a temperature of 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 5065%
6.4 Gas Supply—A supply of technical-grade methane gas prior to testing.
with suitable regulator and meter for uniform gas flow. Natural 9.1.2 Condition a second set of five specimens in a
gas having an energy density of 37 6 1 MJ/m has been found circulating-air oven for a duration of 168 h at 70 6 2°C and
to provide similar results. However, technical-grade methane then cool in a desiccator over anhydrous calcium chloride for
gas shall be used as the referee gas in cases of dispute. Other at least4hat room temperature prior to testing.
fuel gases such as butane, propane, and acetylene have higher 9.2 All specimens shall be tested in a laboratory atmosphere
energy density and are not suitable. of 15 to 35°C and 45 to 75 % relative humidity.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4804
10. Procedure test flame. When flaming of the specimen ceases, immediately
replace the test flame under the specimen. After this additional
10.1 Conduct the burning test in a chamber, enclosure, or
3 6 0.55-s flame impingement time, withdraw the test flame
laboratory hood free of induced or forced draft.
again. Record the duration of afterflame and afterglow times in
10.2 Support a specimen from the upper 6 mm of the
seconds.
specimen, with the longitudinal axis vertical, by a heavy spring
clamp, so that the upper end of the tube is closed to prevent any
NOTE 5—For specimens that flare and are not lapped at the lower end,
chimney effects during the test. The lower end of the specimen
apply the flame in line with the longitudinal axis of the specimen (see Fig.
should be 10 6 1 mm above the top of the burner tube and 300
1, View (c)).
6 10 mm above a horizontal layer of 0.05 to 0.08 g of cotton
10.5 If the specimen drips molten or flaming material during
thinned to an area approximately 50 3 50 mm and a maximum
either flame application, tilt the burner to an angle up to 45°
thickness of 61 mm (see Fig. 1, View (a)).
and withdraw the burner slightly from one of the sides of the
10.3 Place the burner remote from the specimen, ignite, and
specimen during the flame applications to avoid dripping into
adjust it to produce a blue flame 20 6 1 mm high. Obtain the
flame by adjusting the gas supply and the air ports of the burner the tube of the burner. If the specimen drips molten or flaming
until a 20-mm yellow-tipped blue flame is produced. Increase material or is consumed during the test, hand-hold the burner
the air supply until the yellow tip just disappears. Measure the
and maintain the proper distance between the bottom of the
height of the flame again, and if necessary, adjust the burner-
specimen and the top of the burner tube during the flame
gas supply to give the proper flame height. The test flame is to
application. Ignore any molten strings of the material and
be calibrated using Practice D 5207 monthly, when the gas
always apply the flame to the bottom of the major portion of
supply or equipment is changed or when test results are
the specimen.
questioned.
10.6 Repeat the procedure given in 10.2-10.5 on the remain-
10.4 Place the test flame centrally under the lower end of the
ing specimens for each set.
unlapped section of the test specimen (Note 4) with the burner
tube 10 6 1 mm below the specimen for a flame-impingement
11. Calculation
time of 36 0.55 s (see Fig. 1, View (b)). Withdraw the test
flame at least 150 mm away and record the duration of 11.1 Calculate the total afterflame time for each set of five
afterflame, in seconds, of the specimen after the removal of the specimens, t , using the following formula:
f
FIG. 1 Test Apparatus
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4804
i 5 5
TABLE 2 Second Impingement, Afterflame and Afterglow Times
t 5 ~t 1 t ! (1)
(
f 1,i 2,i
i 5 1
NOTE 1—None of the materials exhibited afterglow; therefore, after-
flame plus afterglow is the same as afterflame only, after the second
where:
impingement.
t = total flaming time, s,
f
Afterflame Time, s
i = individual specimen number,
Material
A B C D
Average s S I I
r R r R
t = afterflame time after the first flame impingement, s,
1,i
th
Polyimide (PI) 0.0 . . . . . . . . . . . .
of the i specimen, and
Polyurethane (PUR) 1.3 1.2 1.2 3.4 3.4
t = afterflame time after the second flame impingement,
2,i
Polyethylene 2.1 0.8 1.4 2.3 4.0
th
s, of the i specimen.
terephthalate (PET)
11.2 Calculate the arithmetic mean of the afterflame time for Poly(vinyl fluoride) (PVF) 7.2 3.8 6.2 10.8 14.7
A
each flame impingement, t and t , and the afterflame plus s = within-laboratory standard deviation of the average.
1 2 r
B
S = between-laboratory standard deviation of the average.
R
afterglow time for the second flame impingement, t plus t ,
2 3
C
2.83 s , and
r
recorded for each set of five specimens to the neares
...
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