MaTestLab > Test Standards > ASTM D2863 Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
Last updated 29th October 2024
ASTM D2863 Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
The ASTM D2863 standard defines a process for determining the minimum oxygen concentration, expressed as a percentage of volume, required to enable flame combustion in a flowing mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. The minimum concentration of oxygen that will just support flaming combustion is expressed as percent volume. ASTM D2863 comprises three test procedures A, B, and C involving top surface ignition, propagating ignition, and the comparison with a specified minimum value of the oxygen index.
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ASTM D2863 Introduction
The ASTM D2863 test method determines the minimal oxygen concentration in a flowing combination of oxygen and nitrogen that will only support the flame combustion of plastics. The relationship between burning characteristics and real use conditions is not implied. ASTM D2863 provides three procedures. Procedure A involves top surface ignition, Procedure B involves propagating ignition, and Procedure C involves comparison with a minimum oxygen index.
ASTM D2863 Standard Test Method
Procedure A
The percentage of oxygen in the mixture that supports sustained burning of a specimen is calculated as the oxygen index. The top surface of the upper end of the specimen is ignited using the igniter, and the flame is applied for up to 30 s.
Procedure B
The igniter is used to produce burning across the top and partially down the vertical faces of the specimen. The percentage of oxygen in the mixture that supports sustained burning of a specimen is calculated as the oxygen index. The top surface of the upper end of the specimen is ignited using the igniter, and the flame is applied for up to 30 s.
Procedure C
The burning behavior of three specimens is assessed, and the oxygen index is recorded if at least two out of three are extinguished.
ASTM D2863 Equipment and Sample Preparation
Specimen details
Test specimens should be prepared by die-punching, hand-cutting, or injection molding with clean surfaces and recorded in position and orientation.
Specimen dimensions
The dimensions and geometry of the ASTM D2863 specimens vary depending on the specific requirements. Solid, laminated or cellular materials characterized by an apparent density greater than 15 kg/m3 and structurally self-supporting specimens in the form of vertical bars or sheets up to 10.5-mm thick are used.
Specimen preparation
There are six types of specimens detailed in this method and are prepared per the need. The specimens’ edges should be clean and devoid of fuzz or burrs left over following machining or molding.
ASTM D2863 Test Results and Interpretation
This test method measures and describes the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions. The oxygen index is calculated as the percentage of oxygen in the mixture that supports the sustained burning of the specimen. Data analysis and reporting are used to calculate the average oxygen index and report the results.
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Other Tests Related to ASTM D2863
ASTM D2863 is related to other test methods, including ASTM D618 for conditioning plastics for testing and ASTM D1071 for volumetric measurement of gaseous fuel samples.
Use of ASTM D2863 in Various Industries
The Oxygen Index test is important to industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and construction to determine minimum oxygen concentration needed for combustion. Especially where such applications are used, such as in insulation materials, automotive interiors, and electronic casings, the requirement for safety standards and the application of fire-resistant materials requires it to be safe.
Materials Commonly Tested with ASTM D2863
The high flame retardancy of materials like polymers, textiles, elastomers, and composites is measured by these tests. Such materials-like for example, thermoplastic polymers and upholstery fabrics-would be tested on obtaining oxygen index values so that manufacturers can formulate these towards practical fire resistance for critical applications in safety.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting in ASTM D2863 Testing
Challenges encountered with testing involve controlling environmental conditions, accuracy for the mix ratio of oxygen to nitrogen, fault-finding of the equipment, obtaining uniform specimens of material, and test stability. Proper technician training should ensure that technician-related human errors do not defeat the reproducibility of tests.
Safety and Best Practices in ASTM D2863 Testing
Testing safety maintenance of oxygen cylinders and nitrogen cylinders ensure no containment with flammable materials, personal protective equipment usage. Good Practices are calibration and documentation on sample preparation routine checks on the condition of gas cylinders which may avoid leakage in well-ventilated laboratory setups.
Importance of ASTM D2863
The standard helps the manufacturers to meet safety standards and lower hazards since it evaluates the fire behavior of materials. The Oxygen Index test provides a measurable index that assesses the development of fire-resistant materials and, through contribution to more secure products for consumer as well as industrial applications, protects the end product as well as its users.
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The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the astm d2863 standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
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The turnaround time for astm d2863 test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
Where can I get the astm d2863 tested?
You can share your astm d2863 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm d2863 test to various testing techniques.
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