ASTM D635 – Burning of Plastics

Standard: ASTM D635 Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position

Scope: This fire-test-response test method covers a small-scale laboratory screening procedure for comparing the relative linear rate of burning or extent and time of burning, or both, of plastics in the form of bars, molded or cut from sheets, plates, or panels, and tested in the horizontal position.

Products: Polymeric/Plastic materials

Procedure: The test specimen is supported horizontally at one end, and the free end is exposed to a flame for 30 seconds. After removing the flame, the time and extent of burning is observed and recorded. An average burning rate is reported for material if it burns to the 100 mm mark from the ignited end.

Result: A measure of the material’s flammability and it may be classified as appropriate and following the standard’s appendix (i.e., HB, CC1, or CC2).