Testing Methods- Flammability
Flammability-
The determination of the flammability, or the burning rate of a material, is an important test, especially in automotive applications. A sample of the material to be tested is placed in the stainless steel ”Flame chamber”. In order to keep the sample stable under test, it is clamped in a U-shaped frame and is then exposed to the flame of a bunsen burner. The time elapsed from the material starting to burn to the point where the material has burned for 254mm (10 inches) is measured and the burn rate is calculated in mm/min or inches/min.
The burning behaviour of the material is also classified in a number of classes; e.g. ”DNI” - Does Not Ignite, ”SE” - Self Extinguishing, ”B” - Burn rate. The test is carried out in both the cross and length direction of the material to determine if there is a difference in burn rate.
Flame Chamber