ASTM D7016-04

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D 7016 – 04
Standard Test Method for
Evaluate Edge Binding Components Used in Mattresses
After Exposure to an Open Flame
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 7016; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Evaluation of raw material components is a vital and ongoing part of any manufacturing operation,
especially when each item can contribute to the technical performance of the final product.
Components used in a mattress construction govern the ultimate product performance, its comfort and
durability, and also affect its flammability behavior.
The textile components used on the exterior of the mattress—mattress tape and sewing thread—are
critical for holding the structure together. These components contribute to the aesthetics of the
structure, and they are also susceptible to ignition when exposed to an open flame hazard. Data which
indicate that these two components are able to meet minimum performance criteria when exposed to
an open flame provides the mattress manufacturers with valuable information.
The value of these data increases when the behavior of components in a small scale test correlate
to the behavior of these components in a full scale mattress burn test.The performance criteria require
that: (1) the components do not support the combustion of the afterflame and, (2) that these
components demonstrate post flame exposure characteristics which contribute to the retention of
structural integrity and prevent seam rupture. This test method can be used as a quality control
technique in a supplier quality assurance program.
1. Scope 1.3 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently
hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property
1.1 This standard measures the flammability characteristics
shall be employed in conducting these tests.
of mattress edge bindings and sewing threads during and after
1.4 This test method may involve hazardous materials,
exposure to an open flame ignition source.
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
1.1.1 This test method is used to evaluate these components
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
either independently or in combination for use in mattresses
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
designed with a fire barrier fabric.
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
1.1.1.1 The test method is used to evaluate mattress edge
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
binding and sewing thread when the design requires the use of
these components.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1.2 This standard can be used as a screening test method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to determine how sewing thread and mattress edge binding
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
component combinations will perform.
D 204 Test Method for Sewing Thread
1.2 This standard is used to measure and describe the
D 1683 Test Method for Failure in Sewn Seams of Woven
response of materials, products, or subassemblies to heat and
Fabrics
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
2.2 AATCC Method:
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
actual fire conditions.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 onTextiles
the ASTM website.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.52 on Flammability.
American Association of Textile Colorists and Chemists, PO Box 12215,
Current edition approved July 1, 2004. Published July 2004.
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D7016–04
Standard Laboratory Practice for Home Laundering Fabrics 4.2 Flame resistance of edge binding tape is determined by
Prior to Flammability Testing to Differentiate Between char length measurements.
Durable and Non-Durable Finishes 4.3 Specimens of fire barrier fabrics which are secured
2.3 Federal Standards: using sewing thread and edge binding tape are exposed to an
Code of Federal Regulations—Title 16—Commercial Prac- open flame to determine if seam integrity is maintained.
tices Chapter II—Consumer Product Safety Commission
5. Significance and Use
Part 1615 Standard for the Flammability of Children’s
5.1 Evaluation of raw material components is a vital and
Sleepwear; Sizes 0 through 6X, Revision of January 1,
ongoing part of any manufacturing operation, especially when
each item can contribute to the technical performance of the
Federal Standard 191A, Test Method 1534 Melting Point of
final product.
Synthetic Fibers, 1978
5.2 This standard measures the behavior of mattress edge
2.4 NFPA Standards:
bindingandsewingthreadduringandafterexposuretoanopen
NFPA 701 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame
flame ignition source.
Propagation of Textiles and Films (1999 Edition)
5.3 Flame resistance of the components used to close the
NFPA 1971 Protective Ensemble for Structural Firefighting
(2000 Edition) perimeter of a mattress is an important factor in limiting the
potential of a bedding fire by preventing the chance for seam
2.5 Other Standard:
State of California Technical Bulletin 603, Requirements failure.
5.4 Data which show a correlation of behavior for both the
and Test Procedure for Resistance of a Mattress/Box
Spring Set to a Large Open-Flame, July 2003 sewing thread and edge binding tape, when tested as a
subassembly according to this method, and also when tested
3. Terminology
using a full scale composite mattress burn test, such as
3.1 Definitions:
California TB 603, can provide the manufacturer with impor-
3.1.1 afterflame, n—persistent flaming of a material after
tant information. These data can be valuable when selecting
the ignition source has been removed.
components to be used in the manufacture of its products
3.1.2 afterflame time, n—the length of time for which a
which are designed to use mattress edge binding and sewing
material continues to flame after the ignition source has been
thread.
removed.
5.5 The level of performance required for these components
3.1.3 char length, n—in measuring flame resistance of
is (1) that they do not support the afterflame, and (2) that these
textiles, the distance from the fabric edge, which is directly
components demonstrate post flame exposure characteristics
exposed to the flame to the furthest point of visible fabric
which contribute to retaining the structural integrity of the
damage.
subassembly.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Char length represents the maximum
5.6 In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported
length of a fabric specimen which can be consumed by a
results when using this test method for acceptance testing of
vertical flame.
commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should
3.1.4 fire barrier composite, n—a multilayer structure
conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical
which consists of a non-flame resistant fabric that is secured to
bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical assis-
a flame resistant fabric.
tance is recommended for the investigation of bias. As a
3.1.5 fire barrier fabric, n—a single layer structure made of
minimum, the two parties should take a group of test speci-
fibers which are either inherently flame resistant or chemically
mens which are as homogeneous as possible and which are
treated to be flame retardant.
from a lot of material of the type in question. The test
3.1.6 flame resistance, n—the property of a material
specimens should then be sent to each laboratory for testing.
whereby flaming combustion is prevented, terminated, or
The average results from the two laboratories should be
inhibited following application of a flaming or nonflaming
compared using Student’s t-test and an acceptable probability
source of ignition, with or without subsequent removal of the
levelchosenbythetwopartiesbeforetestingisbegun.Ifabias
ignition source.
is found, either its cause must be found and corrected or the
3.1.7 ignition, n—the initiation of combustion.
purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret future test
3.2 For other terms used in this test method related to
results with consideration to the known bias.
textiles refer to Terminology D 123.
6. Sewing Thread
4. Summary of Test Method
6.1 Using Test Method D 204 determine the average initial
4.1 Sewingthreadisevaluatedforbreakstrengthbeforeand
break strength of the sewing thread.
after exposure to air at an elevated temperature.
6.2 UsingTestMethod1534,FederalStd191A,evaluatethe
sewing thread to confirm that the fiber does not melt when
exposed to a temperature of 285 6 1°C (550 6 3°F).
Government Printing Office, 732 N. Capital Street N.W., Washington, DC
20401.
6.3 After determination that the fiber does not melt, cut six
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
specimens of sewing thread to a length of 460 63mm(18 6
02269-9101.
0.125 in.) and suspend them in a hot air circulating oven as
California Bureau of Home Furnishings, 3485 Orange Grove Avenue, North
Highlands, CA 95660-5595. described in NFPA 1971, Section 6.
D7016–04
6.3.1 Expose specimens for 30 minutes at a temperature of 7.1.3.1 Expose each of ten unwashed specimens to a 12 s
285 6 1°C (550 6 3°F). vertical flame impingement. Specimens shall demonstrate av-
6.3.2 Using Test Method D 204, confirm that the average erage afterflame of no more than 1 s and exhibit a char length
break strength after exposure to hot air exceeds 65 % of initial no greater than 100 mm (4 in.).
break strength. 7.1.3.2 Expose each of ten washed specimens to a 12 s
vertical flame impingement. Specimens shall demonstrate an
7. Edge Binding Tape
averageafterflameofnomorethan1sandexhibitacharlength
7.1 Measuretheflameresistanceandcharlengthoftheedge no greater than 125 mm (5 in.).
binding tape using the test procedure noted in Section 1615.4
8. Subassembly
Code of Federal Regulations—Title 16—Commercial Prac-
tices Chapter II—Consumer Product Safety Commission Part
8.1 Select a fire barrier fabric.
1615, Standard for The Flammability of Children’s Sleepwear; 8.1.1 Make samples using the sewing thread shown to
sizes 0 through 6X Revision of January 1, 2001 with the
comply to Section 5 and edge binding tape shown to comply to
following modifications: Section 6.
7.1.1 Test specimens both as received (unwashed), and after
8.1.1.1 Select the edge binding tape having the appropriate
being washed five times in accordance with AATCC Standard width to enclose the edge of the two sections.
Laboratory Practice for Home Laundering Fabrics Prior to
8.1.2 Join two fire barrier sections. One section shall repre-
Flammability Testing to Differentiate Between Durable and sent the fire barrier fabric used on the top panel ofthemattress;
Non-Durable Finishes.
one section shall represent the fire barrier fabric used on the
7.1.2 Cut specimens the full width of the binding used to side panel of the mattress.
cover the edges of the mattress to a length of 300 mm (12 in.).
8.1.2.1 Sew the fabric sections together using the same
Examples: 22.5 by 300 mm (0.875 by 12 in.); 31.5 by 300 mm seam closing techniques used to manufacture mattresses.
(1.25 by 12 in.); and 36.5 by 300 mm (1.43 by 12 in.).
8.1.3 Samplesmeasureaminimumof208 60.50cm(80 6
7.1.2.1 Apparatus as configured in Section 1615.4 will 0.75 in.) in width and 50 6 0.50 cm (20 6 0.75 in.) in length
accommodate the listed edge bindings.
as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
7.1.3 Test ten unwashed specimens and ten washed speci- 8.2 Cut the samples into specimens for seam testing and
mens. open flame resistance testing.
8.2.1 For seam strength testing, before exposure to open
flame test, cut five specimens in accordance with the require-
ments of Test Method D 1683.
The time and temperature requirements of Test Method 1534 were developed
using data originally developed by the U.S.Air Force in 1968.These data were used
to determine the melting point of synthetic fibers which would be made into yarns
for fabrics and sewing threads and then used to manufacture protective clothing
Fire barrier fabrics are made using a variety of technologies. In addition to
worn by military pilots, tank crew personnel, shipboard personnel, and space suits
fabrics made of inherently flame resistant fibers, these structures can be made of
worn by astronauts. The testing threshold used to evaluate fibers was established as
multifiber hybrids and also treated fabrics. The fabrics are manufactured as both
a benchmark for a wide array of textile products. Sewing threads which melt when
wovenandnonwovenstructures.Thesynergyofthesewingthreadandedgebinding
exposed to high temperatures do not demonstrate any retained break strength.Those
tape is intended to work in conjunction with every type of fire barrier fabric which
sewing threads which are able to withstand exposure at this elevated temperature
can be used to successfully pass the requirements of an open flame test, such as
retain measurable strength characteristics between 65 to 85 % of the original break
Technical Bulletin 603.
strength.
FIG. 1 Mattress Edge Bound Sample—Front View
D7016–04
FIG. 2 Mattress Edge Bound Sample—Profile
8.2.1.1 Test five specimens and determine average seam ahorizontaldimensionof200 66mm(8 60.25in.)asshown
break strength. in Figs. 2 and 3. The seam with the mattress edge binding
8.2.2 Foropenflameresistancetesting,cutsevenspecimens should be horizontal and approximately midway between the
with a vertical dimension of 500 66mm(20 6 0.25 in) and top and bottom edge.
FIG. 3 Mattress Edge Bound Specimen—Front View
D7016–04
NOTE 1—The attached weight keeps the specimen under tension,
8.2.3 When evaluating specimens which are made using a
similar to that demonstrated by a composite structure.
fire barrier fabric, dress cover fabric, and foam, remove the
foam layer except for that foam which is encapsulated by the
8.3.3 Using the specified gas flame and burner design as
edge binding and sewing thread. (See Figs. 4-6.)
indicated in Chapter 3; position the burner so that the flame
8.2.3.1 The pe
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