Flammability test

The flammability test assesses a material's or product's ability to ignite , propagate a flame , or self-extinguish after exposure to a heat source or direct flame. This test is fundamental to ensuring product safety in various industrial sectors, whether for polymer materials, textiles, packaging, or components used in hazardous environments.
Depending on the product's nature and intended use, the flammability test can be performed according to several international standards (ISO, NF, ASTM, UL, etc.) to meet the specific regulatory requirements of each application.

How the method works

Flammability testing involves exposing a sample to a standard flame or heat source for a defined period of time, then observing:

• Ignition time and combustion duration .
• The spread of the flame on the surface or in the mass of the material.
• Post-combustion behavior : formation of burning drops, spontaneous extinction, carbonization, etc.

Depending on the material being tested, several devices can be used:

• Vertical or horizontal test chamber (ISO 3795, ASTM D635, UL 94 tests).
• Radiant heat source (ISO 5660 methods, Cone Calorimeter).
• Pilot flame or standardized burner.

The results make it possible to classify materials according to their level of reaction to fire (self-extinguishing, slowly flammable, highly flammable) and to determine their suitability for use in a given environment.

Areas of application of flammability testing

Flammability testing is an essential requirement in many industrial sectors where fire safety is a major issue:

• Materials and polymers : control of the fire properties of plastics, resins, composites and elastomers used in the automotive, electronics and construction sectors.
• Packaging and containers : assessment of the risk of ignition of packaging materials, particularly for flammable or volatile products.
• Cosmetics and personal care products : testing of alcohol-based formulations (perfume, spray, lotion) to ensure safety of use.
• Human food and animal nutrition : characterization of potentially flammable solvents or additives in industrial processes.
• Plants and nutraceuticals : analysis of powders, extracts or solvents used for the manufacture of natural ingredients in order to assess handling risks.

For polymers , this test is often combined with complementary tests such as the thermal resistance test (TGA/ATG) or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) , in order to better understand the behavior of the material when faced with heat and to optimize its formulation.

Importance of testing for regulatory compliance

International regulations impose strict criteria regarding the reaction of materials to fire. These requirements apply to both finished products and the raw materials used in their manufacture.
Successful completion of the flammability test is often a prerequisite for:

• Approval of products intended for transport (aeronautics, rail, automobile) .
• The marketing of construction or packaging materials.
• Securing production lines handling flammable substances .

Flammability tests thus contribute to the prevention of industrial risks , consumer protection and product compliance with current standards.

YesWeLab services and scientific support

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specialized in physical, thermal and material safety testing, most of which are ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited . Each test is adapted to the nature of the material , the regulatory context and the customer's specifications .
Our team of experts assists you in the selection of appropriate normative methods , the interpretation of results and the drafting of technical reports .

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been facilitating analysis management for manufacturers, distributors and design offices thanks to a digital platform centralizing quote requests, sample tracking and receipt of results.

To complete your control program, also discover:

• Flash point measurement for assessing the risk of ignition of liquids.
• Thermal resistance testing of materials to characterize their behavior in extreme conditions.
• analysis (DMA) to study the thermal and mechanical transitions of polymers subjected to heat.

For any specific request, contact our scientific team now to obtain complete support for your flammability tests and product safety tests.