The standard “ASTM D635 Standard Test Method for Burning Rate and/or Burning Extent and Duration of Plastics in a Horizontal Position,” published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), describes a small-scale laboratory screening procedure for comparing the relative linear burning rate or burning extent and duration, or both, of plastics in bar form molded or cut from sheets, plates, or panels and tested in a horizontal position.
This fire test-reaction test method is technically equivalent to test method A described in IEC 60695-11-10. It is therefore considered compliant with international flammability test standards.
For additional information on materials that do not burn to the first reference mark with this test, the ASTM D380 standard test method applies.
This test method was developed for polymeric materials used in appliances and devices. The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indicator of their flammability acceptability for a specific application. Final acceptance of the material is dependent on its use in complete equipment that complies with the applicable standard for that equipment.
The classification system described in the annex to this standard is designed for quality assurance and pre-selection of constituent materials for products (Annex X1).
Tests made on a material under the conditions specified in this standard are valuable for comparing the burning rate or duration and extent of burning, or both, of different materials, for controlling manufacturing processes, or as a measure of the deterioration or change in these burning characteristics before or during use. Correlation with flammability under actual conditions of use is not implied.
Burning rate and other combustion phenomena are affected by factors such as density, pigments, any anisotropy of the material, and the thickness of the sample. Test data is compared only for samples of similar thickness, whether the comparisons are made with the same or different materials. Burning rate and other combustion phenomena vary with thickness.
Sheet materials stressed during processing are likely to relax during burning, giving irregular results, unless they are heated above their deflection temperature for a time sufficient to relax completely, in accordance with the ASTM D648 standard test method.
Combustion tests require arbitrary fixing of certain variables, such as sample size, energy source, application time, and endpoints. Materials that are unusually sensitive to one or more of the conditions selected for this method will result in highly variable results. In such cases, additional combustion characterization by other methods is preferred.
In this test method, samples are subjected to specific laboratory test conditions. It is not always possible to predict changes in fire test response properties measured by or from this test if different test conditions are modified or if end-use conditions are changed. Therefore, the results are only valid for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.
ASTM D635 is a critical protocol developed for evaluating the flammability of plastic materials. This small-scale laboratory test is widely used to assess the fire safety of polymeric materials used in appliances and devices in industries such as construction, automotive, and electronics. The described test method is designed to measure the rate, extent, and duration of burning of self-supporting plastics in a horizontal position. It serves as a screening tool for comparing the relative flammability of different plastic materials under controlled conditions. This method is particularly important for polymeric materials used in appliance and device components and provides a preliminary indication of their fire resistance. However, it is not intended to predict flammability under actual fire conditions. Instead, it is intended to provide comparative data for material selection, quality control, and compliance with safety standards.
The primary objectives of the ASTM D635 standard are:
This testing method uses a standardized procedure to ensure consistent and comparable results across different laboratories. The basic steps of my method are as follows:
According to relevant standards such as UL 94, which is compatible with the ASTM D635 standard, materials can be divided into the following categories according to their combustion behavior:
These classifications are not officially part of the ASTM D635 standard, but are widely referenced in industry practices.
The ASTM D635 standard is considered valuable for the following reasons:
Factors affecting test results include:
The ASTM D635 standard is widely used in industries where fire safety is a priority:
As a result, ASTM D635 is a fundamental tool for assessing the flammability of plastics in controlled horizontal burn tests. By providing data on burn rate, extent, and duration, it helps manufacturers select safe materials, comply with regulatory standards, and maintain quality control. While not predictive of real-world fire performance, its standardized methodology provides valuable information for industries dependent on polymeric materials.
Our organization, which has been serving for many years and meticulously following global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with ASTM D635 Standard Test Method for the Burning Rate and/or Extent and Duration of Burning Plastics in a Horizontal Position.
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