ASTM D4804 – Flammability of Nonrigid Solid Plastics

Standard: ASTM D4804 Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics

Scope: Per ASTM D4804: "This fire-test-response test method describes 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."

Products: Plastics

Procedure: Per ASTM D4804: "This test method consists of subjecting the lower end of vertically held specimens to a 20 ± 1 mm test flame for two 3-second flame applications. The 200 ± 5 mm by 50 ± 2 mm specimens are preformed around a 13 ± 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."

Result: Test results such as duration of afterflame and afterglow may be reported. Materials may also be classified as VTM-0, VTM-1, or VTM-2, as described in Appendix X1 of ASTM D4804.