- Author
- Lee, T. G.
- Title
- Reproducibility of the Radiant Panel Test Method (ASTM E 162-67) Using Polyurethane Foam, Neoprene and Hardboard Specimens. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- NBSIR 77-1222, March 1977, 39 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- ASTM E162 | coefficients | flame spread test | flexible foams | hardboard | interlaboratory evaluation | neoprene (trademark) | radiant panel test method | test methods
- Abstract
- Interlaboratory evaluation of the Radiant Panel Method (ASTM E 162-67) for flame spread testing of two flexible foam and one hardboard specimens was made. Results obtained by 13 laboratories based on 4 replicate tests, showed that the between-lab coefficient of variation on the flame-spread index (Is) was 21% for Hardboard A, 35% for Urethane B and 45% for Neoprene C. The within-lab coefficient of variation for the Hardoboard was 9.9%. The higher variability of results for the foam materials was caused by the rapid melting of the Urethane B and unstable flame front of the Neoprene C specimens during the tests. An important source of error for some laboratories was in the determination of beta, the calibration constants, and the inappropriate use of base stack temperature correction. Statistics on the reproducibility of the flame-spread factor (Fs), heat evolution (Q)and Is are also given. A new pilot burner and other modifications of the method were found useful.