The ASTM flammability test is a test standard developed by ASTM International to evaluate the flammability and fire hazard of materials. The test is often referred to by a number such as "ASTM E84" or "ASTM D635", which apply respectively to building interior wall and roof materials as well as other materials such as plastics, rubber and polymers. In these tests, materials are heated and characteristics of their combustion such as flame propagation speed, smoke production, etc. are measured and then classified into different classes based on the measurements to assess their fire safety performance.
ASTM flammability testing includes various test methods, such as the following:
ASTM D635-14: Horizontal Burn Test
The horizontal burning test is a test method to evaluate the transverse burning performance of materials. In this test, the material is placed in a horizontal position and then ignited at one end point, and parameters such as burning time and burning rate are recorded.
ASTM D2843-10: Smoke Density Test
The smoke density test is a test method used to evaluate the amount of smoke produced by a material in the event of a fire. In this test, the material is heated and ignited, and parameters such as the density and nature of the smoke produced are recorded.
ASTM E1354-16: Cone Calorimeter Test
The cone calorimeter test is a test method used to evaluate the amount of heat and smoke released by a material in the event of a fire. In this test, the material is heated and ignited, and parameters such as the heat produced, smoke density, smoke color and smoke properties are recorded.
ASTM E162-18: Surface Flame Spread Test
The Surface Flame Spread Test is a test method for evaluating the burning behavior of materials under surface fires. In this test, the material is placed on an inclined platform and then ignited at one end point, and parameters such as the rate of spread of the flame and the time it takes for the flame to extinguish are recorded.
ASTM E119-18a: Fire Test
Fire testing is a test method used to evaluate the fire performance of building materials. In this test, the material is exposed to high temperatures and parameters such as the material's fire resistance time and heat radiation are recorded.
ASTM E648-18: Ground Flame Spread Test
The floor flame spread test is a test method to evaluate the burning performance of floor materials, such as carpet and flooring, under fire. In this test, the material is placed on an inclined platform and then ignited at one end, and parameters such as the rate of flame propagation and the time it takes for the flame to extinguish are recorded.
In summary, ASTM flammability tests are a series of standardized test methods used to evaluate the flammability and fire performance of materials. These test methods can be used on various types of materials and are helpful in the safety assessment and design of materials.