ASTM D2863-00

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:D2863–00
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support
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Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2863; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
when using the Type A gas measurement and control device accuracy as
1. Scope*
described in 6.4.
1.1 This test method covers a fire-test-response procedure.
This test method describes a procedure for measuring the
2. Referenced Documents
minimum concentration of oxygen that will just support
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
flaming combustion in a flowing mixture of oxygen and
D618 Practice for Conditioning, Plastics and Electrical
nitrogen.
Insulating Materials for Testing
1.2 Methods are provided for testing materials that are
D1071 Test Methods for Volumetric Measurement of Gas-
structurallyself-supportingintheformofverticalbarsorsheet
eous Fuel Samples
up to 10.5 mm thick. These methods are suitable for solid,
D1622 TestMethodforApparentDensityofRigidCellular
laminated or cellular materials characterized by an apparent
Plastics
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density greater than 15 kg/m . The methods may also be
D2444 Test Method for Impact Resistance of Thermoplas-
applicable to some cellular materials having an apparent
tic Pipe and Fittings by Means of a Tup (Falling Weight)
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density of less than 15 kg/m .Amethod is provided for testing
D 4802 Specification for Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)
flexible sheet or film materials while supported vertically.
Acrylic Plastic Sheet
NOTE 1—Although this test method has been found applicable for E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
testing other materials, the precision of the test method has not been
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
determined for these materials, or for specimen geometry’s and test
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
conditions outside those recommended herein.
2.2 ISO Standards:
1.3 This test method may be used to measure and describe
4589-2 Plastics—Determination of Flammability by Oxy-
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the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
gen Index—Part 2, Ambient Temperatures
to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and
7823-1 Poly(Methylmethacrylate) Sheets—Types, Dimen-
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shall not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire
sions and Characteristics—Part 1—Cast Sheets
risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
3. Terminology
conditions. However, results of this test may be used as
elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all
3.1 Definitions:
of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire 3.1.1 ignition—for the purpose of this standard shall imply
hazard of a particular end use.
the initiation of flaming combustion.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.2 oxygen index (OI)—the minimum concentration of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
oxygen determined by the method in 9.1, expressed as volume
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- percent, in a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that will just
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
support flaming combustion of a material initially at 23 6 2°C
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards under the conditions of this test method.
statement are given in Note 2.
3.1.3 Definitions of terms relating to fire are in accordance
with Terminology E176.
NOTE 2—Warning:During the course of combustion, gases or vapors,
3.2 Symbols Specific To This Test Method:
or both, are evolved which may be hazardous to personnel.
3.2.1 C —oxygen concentration in percent volume.
NOTE 3—This test method and ISO 4589-2 are technically equivalent o
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
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ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD20onPlastics contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
(Section D20.30). the ASTM website.
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Current edition approved July 10, 2000. Published October 2000. Originally Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
published as D2863–70. Last previous edition D2863–97. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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