ASTM D4986-22

Standard Test Method for Horizontal Burning Characteristics of Cellular Polymeric Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a means of measuring the time and extent of burning for cellular polymeric materials. It also provides a means of measuring burning rates for materials that continue to burn past the specified gage marks.  
5.2 This test method provides a means of comparing the burning characteristics of materials of like thickness density, cell size, and skin irregularities, including the effect of falling particles of cellular polymeric materials. It is suitable for quality control, specification acceptance, and for research and development. Examples include filled or reinforced, rigid or flexible, or cut or formed materials  
5.3 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory fire test exposure conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or if the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible from this test method to predict changes in the performance characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are strictly valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.  
5.4 This test method is not intended to be a criterion for fire hazard. The fire hazard created by materials depends upon the form and end use of the material. Assessment of fire hazard includes, but is not limited to, many factors such as flame spread, burning rate, ease of ignition, fuel contribution, heat evolution, products of combustion, and others.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard contains a test method for small-scale laboratory procedures to be used to determine the relative rate of burning and the extent and time of burning of horizontally oriented cellular polymeric materials having a density less than 250 kg/m3.  
1.2 The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application. The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in the end-product that conforms with the standards applicable to such end-product.  
1.3 The classification system described in the Appendix X1 is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component materials for products.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.  
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 a specific hazard statement, see 6.1.1.  
1.7 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
Note 1: This test method is equivalent to ISO 9772.  
1.8 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: 30-Apr-2022
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 83.100 - Cellular materials
• 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 D1622-20 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2020
• 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 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 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
• Refers: ASTM E176-18 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018

Overview

ASTM D4986-22: Standard Test Method for Horizontal Burning Characteristics of Cellular Polymeric Materials provides a laboratory procedure for evaluating the burning behavior of horizontally oriented flexible and rigid foams with a density less than 250 kg/m³. This internationally recognized standard helps measure the relative rate, time, and extent of burning under controlled conditions, delivering critical data for material comparison, quality assurance, and preliminary screening regarding flammability.

Applicable for various types of cellular polymeric materials-including filled, reinforced, cut, or formed forms-this test method aids manufacturers, quality managers, and researchers in assessing product performance and regulatory compliance, without serving as a direct fire hazard classification tool.

Key Topics

• Burning Rate and Extent Measurement
  The test method measures how quickly and how far a material burns after being exposed to a defined flame under precise conditions, as well as afterflame and afterglow durations.

• Material Comparisons
  Results enable objective comparisons of similar materials based on thickness, density, cell size, surface texture, and additives, considering the effect of falling particles during burnout.

• Quality Control and Specification Acceptance
  The method is commonly used for routine quality control, specification validation, and research and development of new or modified polymeric materials.

• Controlled Laboratory Conditions
  All testing is performed with strict control over environmental factors-temperature, humidity, and test apparatus setup-which is crucial for reproducible and consistent results.

• Classification System
  Appendix X1 provides an optional classification system (HBF, HF1, HF2) to describe the horizontal burning performance of tested materials, supporting preselection in product development and certification.

• Safety and Limitations
  Fire testing is inherently hazardous; the standard underscores the user's responsibility for health, safety, and environmental practices during testing. The method does not directly assess real-world fire hazard or fire risk.

Applications

The ASTM D4986-22 method finds broad application in evaluating flammability of foam and cellular polymeric materials, particularly in:

• Product Development:
  Early-stage screening for selection of materials with suitable horizontal burning characteristics prior to full-scale testing or market introduction.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  Routine batch testing for conformity with internal and contractual flammability requirements, especially in industries where material safety is critical.

• Specification and Material Certification:
  Supporting suppliers and manufacturers in meeting material spec requirements or certifying foams used in products such as building insulation, furniture, automotive interiors, packaging, and consumer goods.

• Research and Comparative Analyses:
  Determining the effect of changes in formulation-such as new additives, pigments, or processing methods-on burning behavior in a reliable, comparative format.

Note that the results are strictly valid for the fire test exposure conditions described; the test does not predict a material’s behavior in all possible fire scenarios or serve as a final indicator of fire hazard in end-use environments.

Related Standards

• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D1622: Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• ASTM D5025: Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• ASTM E176: Terminology of Fire Standards
• ASTM E456: Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• ISO 9772: Cellular Plastics-Determination of Horizontal Burning Characteristics of Small Specimens Subjected to a Small Flame
• ISO 13943: Fire Safety-Vocabulary

These related standards supplement ASTM D4986-22 with terminology, apparatus specifications, and equivalent international procedures, ensuring compatibility and clarity in global regulatory and manufacturing environments.

Keywords: ASTM D4986-22, horizontal burning test, foam flammability, cellular polymeric materials, burning rate, quality control, fire testing standard, material certification, horizontal flame test, ISO 9772 equivalence.

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: D4986 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Horizontal Burning Characteristics of Cellular Polymeric
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4986; 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* mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This fire-test-response standard contains a test method
for small-scale laboratory procedures to be used to determine
2. Referenced Documents
the relative rate of burning and the extent and time of burning
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of horizontally oriented cellular polymeric materials having a
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
density less than 250 kg/m .
D1622 Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular
1.2 The results are intended to serve as a preliminary
Plastics
indicationoftheiracceptabilitywithrespecttoflammabilityfor
D4483 Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method
a particular application. The final acceptance of the material is
Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing
dependent upon its use in the end-product that conforms with
Industries
the standards applicable to such end-product.
D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-
1.3 The classification system described in the Appendix X1
Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
component materials for products.
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E2016 Specification for Industrial Woven Wire Cloth
1.4 This standard measures and describes the response of
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
2.2 ISO Standard:
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all ISO 9772 Cellular Plastics—Determination of Horizontal
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
Burning Characteristics of Small Specimens Subjected to
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. a Small Flame
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard.
3. Terminology
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Definitions:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to plastics, the defi-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
nitions in this test method are in accordance with Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
D883. For terms relating to fire, the definitions in this test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
method are in accordance with Terminology E176 and
For a specific hazard statement, see 6.1.1.
ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given in Termi-
1.7 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
nology E176 shall prevail. For terms relating to precision and
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
bias and associated issues, the terms used in this test method
conducting these tests.
are in accordance with the definitions in Terminology E456.
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 9772.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.2.1 afterflame, n—flame that persists after the ignition
source has been removed.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM 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 May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D4986 – 20. DOI: Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D4986-22. 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
D4986 − 22
3.2.2 afterflame time, n—the length of time for which a end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible from
material continues to flame, under specified conditions, after this test method to predict changes in the performance charac-
the ignition source has been removed. teristics measured. Therefore, the results are strictly valid only
forthefiretestexposureconditionsdescribedinthisprocedure.
3.2.3 afterglow, n—persistence of glowing combustion after
both removal of the ignition source and the cessation of any
5.4 This test method is not intended to be a criterion for fire
flaming (Terminology E176).
hazard. The fire hazard created by materials depends upon the
3.2.4 afterglow time, n—the length of time for which a form and end use of the material. Assessment of fire hazard
includes, but is not limited to, many factors such as flame
materialcontinuestoglowunderspecifiedtestconditions,after
the ignition source has been removed or cessation of flaming, spread, burning rate, ease of ignition, fuel contribution, heat
evolution, products of combustion, and others.
or both.
3.2.5 flame, v—to undergo combustion in the gaseous phase
6. Apparatus
with emission of light.
3.2.6 glow, n—visible light, other than from flaming, emit- 6.1 Test Chamber—A laboratory hood with a minimum
ted by a solid undergoing combustion. capacity of 0.5 m , free of induced or forced draft during
testing. Use an enclosed laboratory hood with a heat-resistant
4. Summary of Test Method
glass window. If a draft is noted with the exhaust fan off,
further measures are needed to eliminate the draft, such as
4.1 This test method for measuring the burning characteris-
adding a positive closing damper. The inside surfaces of the
tics of cellular polymeric materials employs a small standard
chamber shall be of a dark color. When a light meter, facing
test specimen 50 by 150 mm. The specimen is supported
towards the rear of the chamber is positioned in place of the
horizontally. One end of the test specimen is exposed to a
test specimen, the light level shall be less than 20 lx.
specifiedgasflamefor60s.Thetestmethodisusedtomeasure
the burning rate, the extent of burning and the times for
6.1.1 Warning—Products of combustion are toxic. An ex-
afterglow and afterflame. haust fan shall be provided for removing the products of
combustion immediately after the test.
5. Significance and Use
6.2 Laboratory Burner—Burner shall be constructed in
5.1 This test method provides a means of measuring the
accordance with Specification D5025.
time and extent of burning for cellular polymeric materials. It
6.3 Wing Top—Wing top made of copper or stainless steel,
also provides a means of measuring burning rates for materials
that continue to burn past the specified gage marks. having an opening 48 6 1 mm in length by 1.3 6 0.05 mm in
width fitted to the burner. (See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.)
5.2 This test method provides a means of comparing the
burning characteristics of materials of like thickness density,
6.4 Gas Supply—Use technical-grade methane gas (min.
cell size, and skin irregularities, including the effect of falling
98 % pure) as the fuel with suitable regulator and meter for
particles of cellular polymeric materials. It is suitable for
uniform gas flow.
quality control, specification acceptance, and for research and
6.4.1 The use of natural gas having an energy density of
development. Examples include filled or reinforced, rigid or
37 6 1 MJ/m has been found to provide similar results but is
flexible, or cut or formed materials
not acceptable as the referee gas in cases of dispute.
5.3 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to one 6.4.2 The use of other fuel gases such as butane, propane or
ormorespecificsetsoflaboratoryfiretestexposureconditions. acetylene is not suitable because they have higher energy per
If different test conditions are substituted or if the anticipated unit volume.
FIG. 1 Support Gauze Holder
D4986 − 22
FIG. 2 Details of Flame and Relative Positions of Burner Wing Top, Test Specimen, and Specimen Support Gauze
6.5 Wire Cloth—Low-carbon, plain, steel wire, 6.4-mm 6.11 Conditioning Room or Chamber—Capable of being
mesh of 0.90 6 0.05-mm wire diameter. The cloth mesh and maintained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 10 %.
wire diameter shall be determined in accordance with Specifi-
6.12 Conditioning Oven—A full-draft circulating air oven
cation E2016.The wire cloth shall be cut to approximately 215
capable of being maintained at 70 6 2°C.
by 75 mm. (See Fig. 1.)
6.13 Dial Gauge Micrometer—As specified in Test Method
6.6 Support Fixture—Any fixture that will support the wire
D1622 or the applicable ASTM material specification.
cloth horizontally, 13 6 1 mm above the burner wing top and
175 6 25 mm above the base of the test chamber. Fig. 1 shows 7. Test Specimen
one acceptable arrangement.
7.1 Since the results of tests carried out on test specimens
6.7 Timing Device(s)—Stopwatch or other suitable timing of difference colors, thicknesses, densities, molecular weights
device capable of timing to the nearest 0.5 seconds.
or containing different levels or amounts of additives are
potentially different, the additional considerations indicated in
6.8 Linear Measuring Device—Graduated in millimeters.
7.1.1 through 7.1.2 shall apply.
6.9 Cotton—A supply of dry, absorbent 100 % surgical
7.1.1 When conducting tests on test specimens at the
cotton.
minimum and maximum densities and melt flows, the test
6.10 Desiccator—Containing a suitable drying agent, ca- results shall only be considered representative of the complete
pable of maintaining a relative humidity not exceeding 20 % at range, if the results yield the same burning characteristics,
23 6 2°C. including the same flame test classification.
D4986 − 22
7.1.2 If the burning characteristics, including the flame test desiccator capable of maintaining a relative humidity not
classification, are not essentially the same for all specimens exceeding 20 % at 23 6 2°C for at least4hat room tempera-
representing the range tested, the test results shall be consid- ture prior to testing.
ered to apply only to those materials for which the actual color,
8.2 All specimens shall be tested in a laboratory atmosphere
thickness, density, molecular mass and level of additives have
of 15 to 35°C and <75 % relative humidity.
been tested. Additional specimens shall be tested for interme-
8.3 Cotton shall be conditioned in the desiccator for at least
diate ranges of each property.
24 hours prior to use. Once removed from the desiccator, the
7.2 The range of flammability characteristics is likely to be
cotton shall be used within 30 minutes.
affected by the pigments and for each individual type of
pigment, the flammability is likely to range between that
9. Procedure
corresponding to the highest level and that corresponding to no
9.1 Conduct the burning test in a chamber, enclosure, or
pigment. Testing as follows is required and is likely to cover
laboratory hood constructed in accordance with 6.1 and free of
the range of flammability performance:
induced or forced draft.
(a) contain no pigments (natural)
(b) contain the highest level of organic pigments
9.2 Position the formed wire cloth in the support fixture so
(c) contain the highest level of inorganic pigments
that the major section is horizontal. The bottom of the cloth
(d) contain the highest level of carbon black (if carbon
shall be 13 6 1 mm above the burner wing top and 175 mm
black is one of the additives in a pigment package)
above the base of the test chamber. Place 0.18 g of cotton
(e) contain pigments which are known to adversely affect
thinnedtoanareaapproximately75 by 75mmandamaximum
flammability characteristics
thickness of 6 mm on the base of the test chamber. The cotton
is to be located under the wire cloth such that it is below the
7.3 All specimens shall be cut from a representative sample
front end of the specimen and extends at least up to 60 mm
of the material. Care shall be taken to remove all dust and any
reference mark on the specimen.
particles from the surface.
9.3 The test specimen is to be placed flat on the wire cloth
7.4 The standard test specimen shall be 150 mm 6 10 mm
wit
...

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: D4986 − 20 D4986 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Horizontal Burning Characteristics of Cellular Polymeric
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4986; 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 standard contains a test method for small-scale laboratory procedures to be used to determine the
relative rate of burning and the extent and time of burning of horizontally oriented cellular polymeric materials having a density
less than 250 kg/m .
1.2 The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular
application. The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in the end-product that conforms with the standards
applicable to such end-product.
1.3 The classification system described in the Appendix X1 is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component
materials for products.
1.4 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.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
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 a specific hazard statement, see 6.1.1.
1.7 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 9772.
1.8 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, 2020May 1, 2022. Published March 2020May 2022. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20182020 as
D4986 – 18.D4986 – 20. DOI: 10.1520/D4986-20.10.1520/D4986-22.
*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
D4986 − 22
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1622 Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular Plastics
D4483 Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing Industries
D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E2016 Specification for Industrial Woven Wire Cloth
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 9772 Cellular Plastics—Determination of Horizontal Burning Characteristics of Small Specimens Subjected to a Small
Flame
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 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 afterflame, n—flame that persists after the ignition source has been removed.
3.2.2 afterflame time, n—the length of time for which a material continues to flame, under specified conditions, after the ignition
source has been removed.
3.2.3 afterglow, n—persistence of glowing combustion after both removal of the ignition source and the cessation of any flaming
(Terminology E176).
3.2.4 afterglow time, n—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.
3.2.5 flame, v—to undergo combustion in the gaseous phase with emission of light.
3.2.6 glow, n—visible light, other than from flaming, emitted by a solid undergoing combustion.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method for measuring the burning characteristics of cellular polymeric materials employs a small standard test
specimen 50 by 150 mm. The specimen is supported horizontally. One end of the test specimen is exposed to a specified gas flame
for 60 s. The test method is used to measure the burning rate, the extent of burning and the times for afterglow and afterflame.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a means of measuring the time and extent of burning for cellular polymeric materials. It also
provides a means of measuring burning rates for materials that continue to burn past the specified gage marks.
5.2 This test method provides a means of comparing the burning characteristics of materials of like thickness density, cell size,
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.
D4986 − 22
and skin irregularities, including the effect of falling particles of cellular polymeric materials. It is suitable for quality control,
specification acceptance, and for research and development. Examples include filled or reinforced, rigid or flexible, or cut or
formed materials
5.3 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory fire test exposure conditions. If
different test conditions are substituted or if the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible from this test
method to predict changes in the performance characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are strictly valid only for the fire test
exposure conditions described in this procedure.
5.4 This test method is not intended to be a criterion for fire hazard. The fire hazard created by materials depends upon the form
and end use of the material. Assessment of fire hazard includes, but is not limited to, many factors such as flame spread, burning
rate, ease of ignition, fuel contribution, heat evolution, products of combustion, and others.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Chamber—A laboratory hood with a minimum capacity of 0.5 m , free of induced or forced draft during testing. Use an
enclosed laboratory hood with a heat-resistant glass window. 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. An exhaust fan shall be provided for removing the products of combustion
immediately after the test.
6.2 Laboratory Burner—Burner shall be constructed in accordance with Specification D5025.
6.3 Wing Top—Wing top made of copper or stainless steel, having an opening 48 6 1 mm in length by 1.3 6 0.05 mm in width
fitted to the burner. (See Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.)
6.4 Gas Supply—Use technical-grade methane gas (min. 98 % pure) as the fuel with suitable regulator and meter for uniform gas
flow.
6.4.1 The use of natural gas having an energy density of 37 6 1 MJ/m has been found to provide similar results but is not
acceptable as the referee gas in cases of dispute.
6.4.2 The use of other fuel gases such as butane, propane or acetylene is not suitable because they have higher energy per unit
volume.
FIG. 1 Support Gauze Holder
D4986 − 22
FIG. 2 Details of Flame and Relative Positions of Burner Wing Top, Test Specimen, and Specimen Support Gauze
6.5 Wire Cloth—Low-carbon, plain, steel wire, 6.4-mm mesh of 0.90 6 0.05-mm wire diameter. The cloth mesh and wire diameter
shall be determined in accordance with Specification E2016. The wire cloth shall be cut to approximately 215 by 75 mm. (See Fig.
1.)
6.6 Support Fixture—Any fixture that will support the wire cloth horizontally, 13 6 1 mm above the burner wing top and
175 6 25 mm above the base of the test chamber. Fig. 1 shows one acceptable arrangement.
6.7 Timing Device(s)—Stopwatch or other suitable timing device capable of timing to the nearest 0.5 seconds.
6.8 Linear Measuring Device—Graduated in millimeters.
6.9 Cotton—A supply of dry, absorbent 100 % surgical cotton.
6.10 Desiccator—Containing a suitable drying agent, capable of maintaining a relative humidity not exceeding 20 % at 23 6 2°C.
6.11 Conditioning Room or Chamber—Capable of being maintained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 10 %.
D4986 − 22
6.12 Conditioning Oven—A full-draft circulating air oven capable of being maintained at 70 6 2°C.
6.13 Dial Gauge Micrometer—For measuring thicknesses with a 650-mmAs specified in Test Method D1622 pressure ft exerting
a pressure of 0.175 6 0.035 kPa. or the applicable ASTM material specification.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 Since the results of tests carried out on test specimens of difference colors, thicknesses, densities, molecular weights or
containing different levels or amounts of additives are potentially different, the additional considerations indicated in 7.1.1 through
7.1.2 shall apply.
7.1.1 When conducting tests on test specimens at the minimum and maximum densities and melt flows, the test results shall only
be considered representative of the complete range, if the results yield the same burning characteristics, including the same flame
test classification.
7.1.2 If the burning characteristics, including the flame test classification, are not essentially the same for all specimens
representing the range tested, the test results shall be considered to apply only to those materials for which the actual color,
thickness, density, molecular mass and level of additives have been tested. Additional specimens shall be tested for intermediate
ranges of each property.
7.2 The range of flammability characteristics is likely to be affected by the pigments and for each individual type of pigment, the
flammability is likely to range between that corresponding to the highest level and that corresponding to no pigment. Testing as
follows is required and is likely to cover the range of flammability performance:
(a) contain no pigments (natural)
(b) contain the highest level of organic pigments
(c) contain the highest level of inorganic pigments
(d) contain the highest level of carbon black (if carbon black is one of the additives in a pigment package)
(e) contain pigments which are known to adversely affect flammability characteristics
7.3 All specimens shall be cut from a representative sample of the material. Care shall be taken to remove all dust and any particles
from the surface.
7.4 The standard test specimen shall be 150 mm 6 10 mm long by 50 mm 6 1 mm wide. Materials supplied in thicknesses over
13 mm shall be cut to 13 mm 6 1 mm thickness with any skin on one side. Materials supplied in thicknesses of 13 mm or less
shall be tested at the thickness supplied, without removing any skin. (See 7.7.) If materials with adhesive applied are to be tested,
specimens having adhesive on one side only shall be used. (See 7.7.)
7.4.1 Materials supplied in thicknesses over 13 mm shall be cut to 13 mm 6 1 mm thickness. If the material has a skin, remove
material from only one side leaving the skin on the remaining surface.
7.4.2 Materials supplied in thicknesses of 13 mm or less shall be tested at the thickness supplied, without removing any material.
(See 7.7.)
7.4.3 If materials with adhesive applied are to be tested, specimens having adhesive on one side only shall be used. (See 7.7.)
NOTE 2—Tests made on test specimens of different thicknesses, or directions of anisotropy are not comparable.
7.5 Prepare a minimum of 20 specimens for the test. This includes 10 additional specimens in the event that the situation described
in X1.3 or X1.5 is encountered.
7.6 Mark each specimen across its width with lines at 25 mm, 60 mm and 125 mm from one end, referred to hereafter as gauge
marks (see Fig. 2).
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