The new ASTM D1929-11 Edition, “Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics,” has just been released. The 5-page standard replaces ASTM D1929 2010 Edition, which is now obsolete. It covers a laboratory determination of the flash ignition temperature and spontaneous ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace.
Tests made using this test method can be of considerable value in comparing the relative ignition characteristics of different materials. Values obtained represent the lowest ambient air temperature that will cause ignition of the material under the conditions of this test. Test values are expected to rank materials according to ignition susceptibility under actual use conditions.
ASTM D1929 is not intended to be the sole criterion for fire hazard. In addition to ignition temperatures, fire hazards include other factors such as burning rate or flame spread, intensity of burning, fuel contribution, products of combustion, and others.
However, ASTM does warn that during the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved that may be hazardous to personnel. Adequate precautions should be taken to protect the operator.
This new ASTM standard, as well as the other current and many of the obsolete editions of ASTM documents, are available from Document Center Inc. at our website, www.document-center.com. Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’ve been an authorized distributor of the ASTM standards since 1988.