- Author
- Hopkins, D. E. | Krasny, J. F.
- Title
- Studies of Flammability Test Procedures for Curtains and Drapes. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Sponsor
- Coast Guard, Washington, DC
- Report
- NBSIR 79-1596, March 1979, 22 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- curtains | fabrics | fire | flammability | self-extinguishment | ships | standards
- Abstract
- The Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) is in need of a simple, relevant flammability test method for the curtain and drapery fabrics used aboard ships. Two methods for measureing self-extinguishment of fabrics upon removal of the flame were compared. One was proposed by the United States' representative to IMCO, the other was an adaptation of a recently proposed method of the International Standards Organization (ISO). The effects of variations of the proposed test methods (changes in the ignition flame characteristics, bottom edge or surface ignition, and in the specimen suspension) were also investigated. In general, the relative ranking of the fabrics was not changes, though the individual afterflame time and char length results were affected by some of these variables. The advantages and disadvantages of the two proposed test methods are discussed and an improved method is recommended.