ASTM D2863-17
Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)

Standard No.
ASTM D2863-17
Release Date
2017
Published By
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Status
Replace By
ASTM D2863-17a
Latest
ASTM D2863-23
Scope

5.1 This test method provides for the measuring of the minimum concentration of oxygen in a flowing mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that will just support flaming combustion of plastics. Correlation with burning characteristics under actual use conditions is not implied.

5.2 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or from this test to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test-exposure conditions described in this test method.

1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes a procedure for measuring the minimum concentration of oxygen, expressed as percent volume, that will just support flaming combustion in a flowing mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.

1.2 This test method provides three testing procedures. Procedure A involves top surface ignition, Procedure B involves propagating ignition, and Procedure C is a short procedure involving the comparison with a specified minimum value of the oxygen index.

1.3 Test specimens used for this test method are prepared into one of six types of specimens (see Table 1).

TABLE 1 Test Specimen Dimensions

Test Specimen TypeA

Dimensions

Material Form

Length,
mm

Width,
mm