Flammability standards for composites

[krupa]

Hello, I am looking for flammability standards for composite plastics, similar to the ones from Underwriters Labs.

Also, if you can you direct me to some knowledgeable plastic supply places that would be great.

Thanks.


Bart

 

[dwightdixon]

There are astm methods as well as the UL. Canada has their own also. What part of the world are you from so we can direct you to a proper distributor of materials or finished parts or pullextruded cross sections what you propose to use in your design.

 

[stanier]

ISO 14692 covers this for pipe materials on offshore platforms. I would imagine that there are references therein from which the approoach has been takern. or there may be a sister publication from ISOmfor composites used in general industry or structural applications.

The US Army specifications may also cover this topic.

 

[krupa]

I am from Canada. I know the UL 94 is used for plastics, I'm looking for similar standard in composites.

 

[CompositeGeek]

krupa,

It would be helpful to know what industry your application is in. Either way I am about to empty my brainthis wont take long)

The standards for flammibility differ for each major industry. So do the test methods, requirements etc.
DOT has one set for trains, another for aircraft. Some states in the US such as California have there own standards. Other standards are application dependant such as upholstery, clothing, and construction materials e.g. paints, wallboard etc. All of which may be considered "plastic" or "composite".

There are many tests that fall under the term flammability. It also includes flame retardence, smoke release, toxicity, outgassing, burn through, etc.

My "composites" career has been in transportation and the listing below is a short one standards and testing criteria touched over the years. Hopefully these will offer you a place to start. I've left out others discussed in this thread.

ASTM D2863
NES 714
ASTM E 162
ASTM E 662
ASTM E 1354
ASTM E 84
OSU
ISO 3582
FMVSS 302
DIN 4102

Good Luck



Composites and Airplanes - what was I thinking?

There are gremlins in the autoclave!

 

[krupa]

These composites will be used in the medical field. I will look into the standards you have stated above.

Thanks.

Bart

 

[jpz]

There are DOT Standards for flamability of composite truck bodies. Doping FRP with Aluminum Trihydrate which turns to H2O with heat makes it self extinguishing.