Gester Instruments | Professional Textile, Footwear and PPE Testing Equipments Manufacturers Since 1997
Main test methods for flammability of textiles
There are many test methods for flame retardant performance. Almost all countries have their own national standards. Different types of fabrics have different test methods. Some fabrics can also use different test methods to evaluate their flame retardant performance. Traditionally, according to the different placement of fabric samples, it can be divided into vertical method, 45°Tilt method, horizontal method. Now introduce the most commonly used test methods: vertical method, 45°Tilt method, horizontal method and limited oxygen index method.
1. Vertical method
1. Principle This test method stipulates that the sample is placed vertically (the length direction of the sample is perpendicular to the horizontal line), the combustion source ignites the sample below the sample, and the minimum ignition time and afterburning time of the sample are measured. , flame retardant time, flame spread speed, carbonization length (damage length), carbonization area (damage area) and other indicators related to flame retardant performance, and based on this to evaluate the flame retardant performance level of the sample or whether it is qualified.
2. Main test standards (Table 5) National standard number Standard name Scope of application Remarks US 16CRFpart1615:2003 Test method for flammability of children's pajamas. Suitable for children's pajamas and accessories in different sizes. 16CRFpart1616: 2003 European BSENISO6940 Flammability of Textile Fabrics: Determination of Flammability of Vertical Specimens. Suitable for fabrics such as garments, curtains and drapes, including single or multi-layer fabric assemblies. BSEN ISO 6941 Combustion properties of textile fabrics: Determination of flame spread of vertical specimens. Japan JISL1091-1999 Test A-4 method for the combustion performance of textiles. Suitable for woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, coated products, laminated products, etc. China GB/T5455-1997 Textile combustion performance test: vertical method. Suitable for flame retardant woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, coated products, laminated products, etc. Non-equivalent Japanese method JISL1091. GB/T5456-1997 Textile combustion performance vertical direction——Determination of flame spread properties of samples.
Suitable for single or multi-component (coated, quilted, multi-layer, sandwich and similar combinations) garments, curtain draperies and large tents including pergolas and door coverings. Equivalent to ISO6941A-4 method.
2. 45°Tilt method
1. Principle This test method specifies sample 45°Inclined placement (the length direction of the sample is 45 degrees from the horizontal line°angle), the combustion source ignites the sample on the upper or lower surface below the sample (some methods specify the upper surface, and some methods specify the lower surface), and measure the time required for the sample to burn up a certain distance, Or measure the afterburning and flame retardant time, flame spread speed, carbonization length (damage length), carbonization area (damage area) of the sample after burning, or measure the number of times the sample needs to be in contact with the flame at a certain distance from the lower end of the sample, etc. The indicators related to the flame retardant performance are used to evaluate the flame retardant performance level of the sample or whether it is qualified.
2. Main test standards (Table 6) National standard number Standard name Scope of application Remarks US 16CRFpart1610 Test method for flammability of fabrics for use. Applicable to clothing products. Japan JISL1091-1999 Test on the combustion performance of textiles.
The A1 method is suitable for light and thin textiles. The A2 method is suitable for heavy textured fabrics. China GB/T14644-1993 Textile Combustion Properties 45°Directional Burn Rate Determination. Applicable to clothing textiles. 16CRFpart1610 test method is the same. GB/T14645-1993 Textile Combustion Properties 45°Direction, damaged area and number of flame contacts were determined. A method of all kinds of textile fabrics.
Method B is suitable for melt burning fabrics.
3. Horizontal method
1. Principle Ignite the sample placed horizontally, measure the spread distance and time of the flame on the sample, and use the burning rate to characterize the flame retardancy of the fabric.
2. Main test standards (Table 7) National standard number Standard name Scope of application Remarks Japan JISL1091-1999 Test on the combustion performance of textiles: A3 method. Suitable for upholstery fabrics such as carpets and other heavy fabrics. Place the sample horizontally, ignite below the center of the sample, and measure the carbonized area of the sample. China FZ/T01028-1993 Determination of Combustion Properties of Textile Fabrics: Horizontal Method. Applicable to all kinds of textile fabrics.
The sample is placed horizontally, the edge of the sample is ignited, and the rate of flame spread is measured.
4. Limiting oxygen index method (LOI method)
1. Principle Place the sample under the specified test conditions, and measure the minimum oxygen concentration required to maintain its continuous combustion in the oxygen-nitrogen mixed flow, and express it as a percentage .
2. Main test standards (Table 8) Country standard number Standard name Scope of application European ISO4589 plastics are flammable by the oxygen limit index. It is suitable for polymer materials such as rubber, plastic and fiber. The flammability of Japanese JISK7201 plastics is determined by limiting oxygen index. China GB/T5454-1997 Textile combustion performance test oxygen index method. Applicable to various types of textiles (including single-component or multi-component), such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, coated fabrics, laminated fabrics, composite fabrics, carpets, etc. (including flame retardant treatment and non-woven fabrics) processed).
ASTM D6413 Vertical Flammability Test Chamber GT-C35A
Application
To measuring the vertical flame spread for children’s sleepwear, fabrics, other textile materials or resilient filling materials used in upholstered furniture of textiles.
Different accessories,burners and configurations are required for different standards. Please specify standards(s) required.
Feature
Stainless steel test cabinet with glass observation panel , durable and easy maintenance.
3 time recorders, one record firing time, one record after flame time and the other one record afterglow time(accuracy 0.01s).
Control cabinet and burning box separate design which is safe and reliable.
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