An Investigation of Test Methods for Determining the Flammability Hazards of Fabrics.

摘要

The measurement of char length and burn time of a variety of sample specimens was conducted to determine the effects of varying sample size,sample shape,ignition source and air flow past the sample,on these two parameters. In addition,samples tested in the DOC FF3-71cabinet were subjected to conditioning at various relative humidities prior to evaluation. The results of this work indicate that flammability test methods should conform to the following guidelines: (1) the suspension method should be such as to exert as little force in the plane of the fabric as possible, (2) the test specimen should be wide enough to permit unlimited burning in all directions, (3) the ignition source should be capable of providing a precise energy input at a constant rate to the fabric, (4) a forced air flow through the cabinet may be required, (5) although preconditioning humidity may not greatly affect the results when testing nonhydrophilic thermoplastics,moisture sorption can be important,and (6) seamed samples are unnecessary except where the added thread is a significant portion of the weight of the fabric under test.