Fire Performance of Plastics

Abstract

This review swnmaries tests which have been used to define the fire performance of combustible materials including plastics. Many of the small scale tests are intended to classify the characteristics of materials in the form of small standard test specimens and seem to bear little relationship to the final application (see ASTM D635 BS 2782 Method 50BA, ASTM 1929 etc.). Other tests expose a standard specimen to conditions which might prevail in the application (see BS 476 Part 1, BS 476 Part 6 globar, electrical spark ignition test etc.). The multiplicity of tests reflects efforts to develop relevant procedures but they often suggest a lack of co-ordination or a psychological need for the developers to make their mark - note the series of tests ASTM D635, BS 2782 Method 50BA, BS 3532 etc. At RAPRA the fire performance of plastics is being studied using standard tests and non-standard environmental tests. This review was prepared as part of a consideration of "relevant" tests and to establish what procedures were already available. An attempt has been made to group tests into a logical order but this has not been possible throughout because of some multiple purpose tests. Where available tests,for smoke and toxic combustion products have been included. Reference is made to published environmental tests but it is not suggested that these are sensible standard classification tests.