ASTM_D_5238_-_10.pdf

Designation:D523810Standard Test Method forSmoldering Combustion Potential of Cotton-Based Batting1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5238;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the determination of smolderingcombustion potential within cotton-based batting intended foruse in mattresses and upholstered furniture.This test method isdesigned to evaluate batting containing at least 75%cotton byweight,and it is intended to be used primarily as a qualitycontrol tool.1.2 This test method is used to measure and describe theresponse of materials,products,or assemblies to heat and flameunder controlled conditions,but does not by itself incorporateall factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of thematerials,products,or assemblies under actual fire conditions.1.3 Fire testing is inherently hazardous.Adequate safe-guards for personnel and property shall be employed inconducting these tests.1.4 Inadequate consideration of a subsystem,such as cottonbatting,to resist smoldering is frequently the reason thatfinished mattress or upholstered furniture systems fail fire andsmolder resistance tests.This test method may be used toevaluate this smolder resistance in the subsystem of cottonbatting used in such products.The purpose of this test methodis to aid end users in better determining the potential of cottonbatting components to resist smoldering.It is recommendedthat those using this test method be familiar with cotton battingproduction and the use of cotton batting in mattresses andupholstered furniture.1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.The values given in parentheses are for informationonly.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D123 Terminology Relating to TextilesD1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing TextilesD2258 Practice for Sampling Yarn for TestingD4391 Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior ofTextilesE176 Terminology of Fire Standards2.2 Government Standard:Title 16 CFR Part 1632,Standard for the Flammability ofMattresses and Mattress Pads(FF 4-72 Amended)33.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms relating to burningbehavior,refer to Terminology D4391.For definitions of othertextile terms,refer to Terminology D123.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 batting,na textile filling material consisting of acontinuous web of fibers formed by carding,garnetting,airlayering,or other means.3.2.1.1 DiscussionIn the bedding,furniture,and futonindustries,batting is made from a blend of fibers consistingprimarily of cotton.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 A controlled heat source is positioned between twoidentical specimens of cotton batting.The heat source andspecimens remain undisturbed until the specimens either areconsumed or are no longer undergoing smoldering combustion.The resulting outward char distance from the initial heat sourceis determined.5.Significance and Use5.1 This test method provides a means for evaluating thesmoldering combustion potential of cotton-based batting foruse in mattresses and upholstered furniture.The degree of1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D13 on Textilesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.52 on Flammability.Current edition approved June 1,2010.Published August 2010.Originallyapproved in 1992.Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D5238 98(2003).DOI:10.1520/D5238-10.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Federal Register,Vol 49,No.197,Wednesday,October 10,1984.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 correlation between the results of this test of a componentmaterial and actual end-use products has not been determinedfully.5.2 In this procedure,the specimens are subjected to one ormore specific sets of laboratory test conditions.If different testconditions are substituted or the end-use conditions arechanged,this test method cannot predict changes in the fire testresponse characteristics measured.The results are thereforevalid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in thisprocedure.5.3 In the case of a dispute arising from differences in thereported test results using this test method for acceptancetestin