Significance and Use

The fire performance of a material or product is affected by a combination of its fire-test-response characteristics. Two of the most commonly determined fire-test-response characteristics of cushioning materials are the surface flammability, in accordance with Test Method D3675 , and the specific optical density of smoke, in accordance with Test Method E662 .

Cushioning materials used in upholstery applications are potentially exposed to leaching of the active ingredients due to ( 1 ) water solubility of the treating agents or ( 2 ) exposure to high humidity.

In view of the importance that the fire performance of the cushioning materials used in upholstery applications remain constant throughout their intended service life, this test method provides a means to test for the potential change in two fire-test-response characteristics due to leaching.

1. Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response test method covers a procedure for leaching cushioning materials with water and determining changes in two specific fire-test-response characteristics: ( 1 ) the surface flammability, in accordance with Test Method D3675 , and ( 2 ) the specific optical density of smoke generated, in accordance with Test Method E662 .

1.2 In view of the wide variation in potential service conditions, it is likely that results of this leaching test will not give a direct correlation with service performance for all applications. However, the test method yields comparative data on which to base judgments as to expected service of cushioning materials and is useful in research and development work.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard is used to measure and describe 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 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 7.

1.6 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D3675 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Flexible Cellular Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

E176 Terminology of Fire Standards

E662 Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials

Keywords

cushioning; fire; fire performance; fire-test-response characteristic; leaching; optical density; smoke obscuration; softened water; Cushioning materials; Fire testing--building materials; Fire-test response; Leachates/leaching; Optical density; Smoke obscuration; Softened water; Upholstery fabrics/materials/applications; Water leaching;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.50 (Fire-resistance of building materials and elements)

DOI: 10.1520/F1534-10

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM F1534