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 tests consist of exposing a sample to a standardized flame or heat source for a defined period of time, then observing:

• Ignition time and combustion duration .
• The propagation of the flame on the surface or within the mass of the material.
• Post-combustion behavior : formation of flaming droplets, 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 allow materials to be classified 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 the flammability test

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

• Materials and polymers : control of the fire properties of plastics, resins, composites and elastomers used in the automotive, electronics and building 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 the risks of handling.

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 in the face of heat and to optimize its formulation.

Importance of testing for regulatory compliance

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

• Approval of products intended for transport (aeronautics, rail, automotive) .
• The placing on the market of construction or packaging materials.
• Securing production lines handling flammable substances .

Flammability testing thus contributes to the prevention of industrial risks , the protection of consumers and the conformity of products with the standards in force.

YesWeLab services and scientific support

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specializing in physical, thermal, and materials safety testing, most of which are ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited . Each test is tailored to the nature of the material , the regulatory context , and the client's specifications .
Our team of experts assists you in selecting the appropriate standard methods , interpreting the results , and preparing technical reports .

Since 2020, YesWeLab has facilitated the management of analyses for manufacturers, distributors and design offices through a digital platform centralizing quote requests, sample tracking and the receipt of results.

To complete your monitoring program, also check out:

• The measurement of the flash point for assessing the risk of ignition of liquids.
• The thermal resistance test of materials to characterize their behavior under 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.