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ISO 9773 Determination of the Burning Behavior of Thin, Flexible, Vertical Plastic Specimens in Contact with a Small Flame Ignition Source
Category:
Electrical & Electronics
ISO 9773 Standard Description
ISO 9773 Plastics - Determination of burning behaviour of thin flexible vertical specimens in contact with a small-flame ignition source
ISO 9773 Standard Introduction
ISO 9773 specifies a method for determining the burning behaviour of thin, flexible plastic materials when exposed to a small flame ignition source. This test is primarily used to evaluate the burning rate and flame spread characteristics of materials and is widely applied in the plastics industry to ensure product safety.
The test involves exposing a specimen to a controlled flame and observing and recording the flame propagation rate and extent of combustion. Such testing is important for the design of safe plastic products, particularly those intended for use in environments with high fire risks. Through ISO 9773 testing, manufacturers can evaluate the response and safety performance of their products when exposed to flame, thereby ensuring safe use in the market.
ISO 9773 Scope of Application
ISO 9773 applies to plastic components commonly used in electronic devices, automotive interiors, building materials, furniture, and consumer products.
ISO 9773 Test Method
Sample Preparation: Prepare four groups of five specimens, with dimensions of 200 mm × 50 mm. Condition the specimens at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity for at least 48 hours. Then place them in a forced-air oven and condition at 70 °C for 168 hours, followed by cooling in a desiccator for at least 4 hours.
Gas Flow Rate Setting: Adjust the methane gas flow rate to 105 ml/min, and adjust the air supply and gas flow to obtain a clean blue flame with a height of 20 mm.
Flame Application: Apply a 20 mm Bunsen burner flame to the specimen. The flame shall contact the specimen twice, with each application lasting 3 seconds. If the specimen extinguishes after the first flame application, immediately proceed with the second flame application.
ISO 9773 Basis for determination
Based on the burning duration, afterglow duration, and the occurrence of falling burning particles, thin flexible plastics are classified into three levels:
|
Evaluation Items |
VTM-0 |
VTM-1 |
VTM-3 |
|
The burn time of each test sample (after the first and second flames) |
≤10s |
≤30s |
≤30s |
|
Total burn time ( 10 Secondary flame application) |
≤50s |
≤250s |
≤250s |
|
Combustion and afterglow duration after the second flame application |
≤30s |
≤60s |
≤60s |
|
Combustion specimen dripping (cotton wool ignited) |
NO |
NO |
YES |
|
Burn to the fixture (complete combustion of the sample) |
NO |
NO |
NO |
Standards Related to the Flammability Testing of Foam Plastics
ASTM D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Self-Supporting Plastics in a Horizontal Position
ASTM D3801 Method for Measuring the Comparative Extinguishing Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
ASTM D4986 Test Method for Horizontal Burning Characteristics of Cellular Polymeric Materials
ASTM D4804 Standard test method for determining the flammability of non‑rigid solid plastics
ASTM D5048 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics Using a 125-mm Flame
ASTM E162 Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
ASTM D5025 Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
ASTM D5207 Practice for Calibration of 20 and 125 mm Test Flames for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
IEC 60695-11-10 Fire hazard testing - Part 11-10: Test flames; 50 W horizontal and vertical flame test methods
ISO 9772 Cellular plastics. Determination of horizontal burning characteristics of small specimens subjected to a small flame
ISO 9773 Plastics - Determination of burning behaviour of thin flexible vertical specimens in contact with a small-flame ignition source
SATISFY has a professional testing team and provides flammability safety testing services for plastic materials, including preliminary assessment, document submission, test follow-up, report interpretation, and improvement recommendations. For more information, please contact SATISFY customer service.
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