ASTM F2703-08
Standard Test Method for Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame Resistant Materials for Clothing with Burn Injury Prediction

Standard No.

ASTM F2703-08

Release Date

2008

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM F2703-08(2013)

Latest

ASTM F2703-21

Scope

This test method is intended for the determination of a thermal performance estimate value of a material, a combination of materials, or a comparison of different materials used in flame resistant clothing for workers exposed to combined convective and radiant thermal hazards.

This test method evaluates a material’s heat transfer properties when exposed to a heat exposure at a constant value and specific duration. Air movement at the face of the specimen and around the calorimeter can affect the measured heat transferred due to forced convective heat losses. Minimizing air movement around the specimen and test apparatus will aid in the repeatability of the results.

This test method accounts for the thermal energy stored in the exposed test specimen after the heat exposure has ceased. Higher values of Thermal Performance Estimate ratings determined in this test associate to higher values of thermal (convective and radiative) energy protection against a predicted skin burn injury.

This test method maintains the specimen in a static, horizontal position and does not involve movement except that resulting from the exposure.

This test method specifies a standardized 84 ± 2 kW/m² (2 ± 0.05 cal/cm²s) exposure condition. Different exposure conditions have the potential to produce different results. Other exposure conditions representative of the expected hazard are allowed but shall be reported with the results along with a determination of the exposure energy level stability.

This test method contains optional provisions for conducting certification testing against a prescribed Thermal Performance Estimate value.

1.1 This test method measures the non-steady state heat transfer through flame resistant materials for clothing subjected to a combined convective and radiant heat exposure.

1.1.1 This test method is not applicable to materials that are not flame resistant.

Note 18212;The determination of a material’s flame resistance shall be made prior to testing and done in accordance with the applicable performance and/or specification standard for the material’s end-use.

1.1.2 This test method accounts for the thermal energy contained in an exposed test specimen after the standardized combined convective and radiant heat exposure has ceased and is used to estimate performance to a predicted second-degree skin burn injury.

1.2 This test method is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound or other units that are commonly used for thermal testing.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM F2703-08 Referenced Document

• ASTM D123 Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D1776 Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• ASTM D1777 Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• ASTM D3776 Standard Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric
• ASTM E457 Standard Test Method for Measuring Heat-Transfer Rate Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter
• ASTM F1494 Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing

ASTM F2703-08 history

• 2021 ASTM F2703-21 Standard Test Method for Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame-Resistant Materials for Clothing with Burn Injury Prediction
• 2008 ASTM F2703-08(2013) Standard Test Method for Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame Resistant Materials for Clothing with Burn Injury Prediction
• 2008 ASTM F2703-08 Standard Test Method for Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame Resistant Materials for Clothing with Burn Injury Prediction