NBSIR 74-455

Abstracts of Papers on Testing and

Analysis of Flammable Fabrics

October 1972 to October 1973

J. F. Krasny

Fire Technology Division

Institute for Applied Technology

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D. C. 20234

March 1974

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

NBSIR 74-455

ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS ON TESTING AND

ANALYSIS OF FLAMMABLE FABRICS

OCTOBER 1972 TO OCTOBER 1973

J. F. Krasny

Fire Technology Division

Institute for Applied Technology

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D. C. 20234

March 1974

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Frederick B. Dent, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS. Richard W. Roberts. Director

Abstracts of Papers on Testing and Analysis

of Flammable Fabrics October 1972 to October 1973

Compiled by J. F. Krasny

This collection of abstracts covers papers on textile flammability testing and analysis of flame retardant fibers and

finishes, for the period October 1972 to October 1973. It is

hoped that this collection will facilitate research in this

area in which there has been great interest in connection with

the introduction of fabric and garment flammability standards

by the Federal and several state governments. Similar collections appear in the Proceedings- of the Annual Meetings of the

Information Council on Fabric Flammability, available from the

Council, Room 510, 1457 Broadway, New York, N.Y., 10036.

Testing and Standardization

General

Campbell, H. J. and Staples, M. L.

THE FLA_MJ4ABILITY OF TEXTILES.

Canadian Text. J., 90 (7) 85-89 (1973).

This is a review of fire injury data, flammability

standards, and regulations, with emphasis on a comparison between the U. S. and Canadian approach to the

problem of reducing losses from flammable fabric fires.

A critical analysis of the 45° (CS 191-53) apparel

fabric flammability test is presented. Ambiguities,

especially those arising from the surface flash phenomenon encountered in napped cotton fabrics, are discussed, with modifications to the test suggested. The

effect of R.H. and specimen orientation (vertical or

horizontal) on ignition time is discussed, as well as

the performance of double layers of fabrics.

Feikema, J. G.

THE COMBUSTION RATES OF VARIOUS TEXTILES

Melliand Textilberichte (Eng. Ed.), 54_ (2) 179-184

(1973) . Flammability tests were conducted with the specimens

in the horizontal, 45°, and vertical position with

the flame spread rate measured at various distances

from the point of ignition over a total specimen

length of 44 cm. The major factors affecting flame

spread rate were fabric weight and the dripping of

molten polymer in the vertical tests. The latter ef1
feet is more obvious at distances farther from the

point of ignition.

65/35 polyester/cotton blends did not produce melt

drip. However, melt drip occurred in blends containing 75% or more polyester and in the acrylic fabrics.

Initial flame spread was found to be considerably

slower when ignition occurred in the body of the fabric than when the edge was ignited. There were some

reversals in the relative ranking of the cotton and

polyester/cotton fabrics. Smaller differences in

ranking were observed when tests were conducted with

point ignition than with ignition over the whole

width of the sample : whole width ignition produced

flame spread rates 1 to 1 1/2 times higher than the

point of ignition.

Miller, B. . FLAMMABILITY TERT-IINOLOGY NEEDS VAST IMPROVEMENT

Amer. Dyestuff Rep., 62_ (1) 25-21 (1973).

This paper attempts to point out certain inadequacies

in the terminology used in the study of textile flammability. By citing specific examples it has shown how

such terms as " f lame-retardant " , " self-extinguishing"

,

"char length" and "flame progagation rate" must be used

in a narrower sense than has been generally done in the

past. At the same time, arguments v/ere presented for

the introduction of new terms and concepts, such as

"thermal decomposition modifiers" and "ease of extinction".

It is hoped that this discussion will prove useful to

those faced with the difficult problems that have arisen in the field of textile f lammability

.

Sharman, L. J., Tovey , H. and Vickers, A. K.

CURRENT STATUS AND NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR FLAflKlABLE

FABRIC STANDARDS

Proc. 6th Annual Meeting ICFF , New York, 264-306

(Dec. 1972).

This paper covers the status of flammable fabrics

standards development for mattresses, children's sleepwear sizes 7 to 14, upholstered furniture, and blankets, as well as the applicable sampling plans. The

manner in which priorities for apparel standards are

2
determined is described: accident statistics are

used to determine the more hazardous apparel itemsex-age grouping combinations, and availability of

FR fabrics for such uses is considered.

Tribus, M.

DECISION ANALYSIS APPROACH TO SATISFYING THE REOUIRE-- MENTS OF THE FLAflHABLE FABRICS ACT

Standardization News, STDNA 1 (2) 22-27 (1973).

In reference to the Flammable Fabrics Act of 1967, decision analysis is suggested as a method to specify

"reasonable protection" from fabric f lammability

.

Stress is given to the need for balance between cost

and protection, higher cost encouraging the circumvention of standards and lower protection. The most

advantageous trade off level to be found is with the

probability theory using such factors as ignition

levels, exposure to ignition, cost per garment and use

of standard.

Yuill, C. H.

FIRE TESTS - THE CREDIBILITY GAP

Standardization News, STDNA, 1 (6) 26-28, 47 (1973).

Fire tests mean different things to different interests. Small-scale tests are needed for convenience

and economy, but can be misleading if their limitations are not understood, particularly in relation to

performance in actual fires. Materials that perform

well by themselves may show poor performance when tested in combination with other materials. On the other

hand, reports of large-loss fires frequently pin-point

specific causes without supporting evidence.

Demonstrations of the reaction of materials to light

fire exposure such as a match flame have been used

to prove: (1) a greater hazard than that which actually exists or (2) a degree of safety that will be

refuted by large-scale tests. Com.plaints against the

"numbers game" ignore the necessity for the utility of

specific end points. There is need for more largescale testing in many areas to determine where to set

end points.

3
Testing and Standardization

Test Development

-A.non

.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SEMIRESTRAINED VERTICAL FABRIC FLATl- ?4ABILITY TEST CONCEPT

Text. Chem. & Color., 5 (10) 27-33 (1973).

The Test Method Development Subcommittee of the Apparel Products Flammability Committee of the American

Apparel Manufacturers Association evaluated a series

of laboratory test method concepts in an effort to

develop a bench test which would predict flame spread

characteristics. The ultimate objective was to determine whether a small scale test would produce

flame spread consistently similar to the flame spread

observed with the same fabric in garment form on a

mannequin. The method involves edge ignition (by a

gas flame or a folded filter paper) vertical sample

position, and moderate restraints of the sample to

provide more realistic conditions for testing of

thermoplastics than presented by metal frames.

Eisele , D.

FLAME RETARDANT TREATMENT OF NON-WOVENS

Melliand Textilberichte , 53^ (10) 1167 (1973).

This is part of a series of papers on the materials

and processes used to produce FR non-wovens. The

author discusses methods for determining ease of ignition, flame spread rate, distance, intumescence,

melting and dripping, afterglow, and extinguishability

(by means of carbon dioxide) . Ease of ignition and

flame spread are measured by means of a modified semicircular tester in which a Bunsen burner is moved 26

times per minute past the specimen. The number of

cycles needed for ignition, and the flame spread along

the arc are measured.

. Gobeil , N. B.

ASTM TASK GROUP IS WORKING ON A NEVJ FLAWIABILITY TESTER

Text. Chem. & Color., 5 (2) 21-25 (1973).

During March 19 70 an ASTM task group on apparel flammability began work on the development of a tester

that could accurately measure both ease of ignition

and rate of burning.

4
The experimental tester resulting from the project incorporates some of the principles of the 45° angle

tester and others explored by the National Bureau of

Standards. In the ease of ignition test the ignition

flame impinges on the surface of the fabric with the

specimen held at 62° from the horizontal. In the rate

of burning test the specimen is held at a 45° angle

with ignition forced at the lower edge. Test parameters can be changed by making minor engineering

changes

.

Griggs, D. I.

THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE

Proc. 6th Annual Meeting ICFF , New York, 2 30-2 37

(Dec. 1972) . The British fire death statistics for cases attended

by fire departments are discussed briefly; they

currently are apparently leveling out at somewhat

above 800 deaths per year. Death due to asphyxiation

appears more frequently than those due to burns.

Experimental work with night clothing and dressing

gowns led to development of vertical tests for ease

of ignition, flame spread rate and distance, and heat

evolved. The test for ease of ignition, and a test

which classifies fabrics into those which spread

flame, those with limited spread of flame, and those

which melt, are applied first. The amount of flame

spread, and sometimes heat transmission, are measured

on fabrics which spread flames. At the time the paper

was given an interlaboratory study was in process.

Miller, B. , Goswami, B. C. and Turner, C.

THE CONCEPT AND MEASUREMENT OF EXTINGUISHABILITY AS A

FLAMMABILITY CRITERION

Text. Res. J., 43^ (2) 61-67 (1973).

Burning experiments in enclosed spaces have shown that

oxygen depletion leading to flame extinction occurs

even in a relatively large volume of air because convection is only partially effective in supplying air

to a burning flame and removing products of combustion

and pyrolysis. Quantitative evaluation of extinguishability through oxygen depletion determined under realistic burning conditions would, therefore, be a valuable indication of the hazard potential of a material.

5
Accordingly, a method has been developed for establish

ing a characteristic minimum-burning condition in term

of oxygen concentration which results in a more stringent criterion for the innate flammability of a materi

al than the conventional oxygen index (01) value. The

TRI Flammability Analyzer is used to measure steadystate flame propagation rates at several oxygen concen

trations high enough to support steady burning. Extra

polating the resultant linear burning rate-oxygen concentration relation to zero burning rate yields an intrinsic (01)0- With the analyzer, it is possible to

determine intrinsic indices for the more common and

vigorous upward directions of burning, and the upward

indices obtained for a group of natural and synthetic

fabrics, woven and knitted, are appreciably lower than

the indices for the downward direction. Indeed, all

fabrics studied, except Nomex, are found to be inherently capable of upward burning in air.

Testing and Standardization

Apparel

Carter, W. H. , Finley, E. L. and Farthing, B. R.

FLAME TEMPERATURE, HEAT RADIATION AND HEAT CONTENT

MEASURED FOR ALL-COTTON AND COTTON-POLYESTEP^ FABRICS

J. Fire & Flammability, 4 (2) 106-112 (1973).

This research measured the heat radiation rate when

full size A-line dresses made of all-cotton, 70/30

cotton-polyester and 50/50 cotton-polyester were

burned on a life-size mannequin form. Radiation rates

were evaluated in relation to surface temperatures

measured on the mannequin and to the total heat content in cal/gram for the three fabrics. An Eppley

pyrheliometer placed at waist height and 18 inches out

from the mannequin surface was used to measure heat

radiation rate. The mannequin surface temperatures

decreased as the polyester fiber content increased;

whereas the total heat contents and radiation rates

increased with increase in polyester fiber.

6
Duncan, A. J.

COMMITTEE E-11 ON STATISTICAL METHODS - REPORT

PERTAINING TO THE SAMPLING PLAN AMENDMENT TO THE

CHILDREN'S SLEEPX^7EAR STANDARD

Standardization News, STDNA, 1 (5) 26-27 (1973).

At its meeting in April 1973, Committee E-11 spent

considerable time discussing the proposed sampling

plan amendment to the Children's Sleepwear Standard.

This is one of the initial standards issued under the

Flammability Fabrics Act as amended in 1967 and is

likely to set precedents for many other Federal Government standards to follov/ in the area of product safety.

The introduction of a sampling plan into the standard

is in itself a significant feature. It stands in

sharp contrast to the policy recently proposed by

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

which refuses to allow permissive failure rates in

its flasher standard. The E-11 discussion, which

is summarized in this report, was concerned with the

background ~ of the sampling plan, its special features,

interpretations needed for the computation of an

operating characteristic curve and criticism, of the

test method.

Finley, E. L. and Butts, C. T.

GARMENT CONFOR.MATION ON A MANNEQUIN CHANGES FLAM^IABLE

CHARACTERISTICS

J. Fire & Flammability, 4_ (3) 145-155 (1973).

A-line dresses, with and without selfbelt, were

burned on an adult size mannequin. Ignition was

by exposure to six gas burners located at the hemline for 5 seconds. Fabrics used were all-cotton,

70/30 and 50/50 polyester/cotton, with and without

THPOH-NH3 treatment. The belts acted as flame-stops

for about 3 minutes with the all-cotton, 2 minutes

for the 70/30, and 1 minute for the 50/50 dresses.

Unlaundered, FR treated dresses v^/ithstood 1 minute

exposure to the gas burners but ignited after 20

launderings. Mean peak temperatures measured during

the complete burning of the dresses were higher for

the belted than the unbelted dresses. These temperatures became lower with decreasing polyester content

(parts of the blend fabrics stayed intact and charred) . Temperatures were relatively low where the

fabric was in contact with the mannequin. Mean times

to peak temperature varied from 8 to 33 seconds;

7
they decreased with polyester content, and were

slightly shorter for the belted than the unbelted

dresses.

Krasny, J. F. and Fisher, A. L.

LABORATORY MODELING OF GARI'lENT FIRES

Text. Res. J., 43 (5) 272-283 (1973).

In an attempt to model real-life burn accidents, garment assemblies were burned on adult-size mannequins

and the temperature distribution over the mannequin

surface determined. Anaesthetized, shaved rats were

exposed in openings of the mannequinns in the spatial

arrangements encountered in real-life garment fires.

The correlation between the depth of burn into the

skin and the temperature observed on the mannequin

surface near the exposed skin seemed fair. In other

experiments, the interaction of burning fabrics and

depth of burn was studied by means of simulated garments fitted to anaesthetized, shaved rats.

Garment geometry was found to affect the burn injury

potential as much as fabric parameters. It is discussed in terms of initial fabric to s]cin, fabric to

mannequin, and outerwear-underwear distance (these

distances often change during the fire due to heat

shrinkage of themioplastic fibers, turbulence, etc)

;

forTTiation of chimney spaces between fabric layers and

the mannequin surface; and firestops such as belts.

Other experiments covered the effect of combinations

of various fabrics, such as dress-slip assemblies.

Gaments made from f lame-retardant (FR) -treated cotton fabric and 100% thermoplastic fibers did not ignite in our experiments when used as single layers.

When combined with polyester/cotton blends in outerwear/underwear assemblies, these fabrics caused smaller

areas of the mannequins to be raised to elevated temperatures than the blend fabrics alone. This effect

was particularly marked for the FR treated cotton.

In our experiments, polyester/cotton blends seemed to

have more potential for causing injury than comparable,

100% cotton fabrics. 100% thermoplastic fiber fabrics

appeared to have a lov7 injury potential.

The effect of fabric weight on the area of the mannequin raised to elevated temperatures was not clear

cut, though it was obvious that heavier fabric caused

8
more severe injury to exposed skin, and v/ere more difficult to extinguish by beating out the flames than

light fabrics.

Mandel, J., Steel, M. N. and Sharman , L. J.

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS ANALYSIS OF THE ASTM INTERLABORATORY STUDY OF DOC FF 3-71 FLAmABILITY OF

CHILDREN ' S SLEEPWEAR

Standardization News, STDNA, 1 (5) 8-12, (1973).

ASTM Committee D-13 on Textile Materials carried out

an interlaboratory study on the test method given in

DOC FF 3-71, Standard for the Flaranability of Children's Sleepwear. Sixteen laboratories and eight fabrics were involved. Committee D-13's conclusions

were that the study demonstrated that laboratories

do not obtain the same "pass-fail" results when testing the same fabrics with DOC FF 3-71 as written and,

in fact, gross differences in reproducibility were

obtained. The same test data was analyzed at NBS

.

The analysis reported in this paper leads to conclusions contrary to those reported by D-13. The NBS

report shows theoretically that with a go-no-go- test,

such as that for children's sleepwear, the probability

of complete agreement between laboratories is attained

only when the material under test is either so far

superior to the test method requirements or so far

inferior to them that unavoidable test method fluctuations have no effect on the outcome of the test. For

a fabric that is only 2% defective, the probability

of complete agreement betv/een 16 laboratories is dov/n

to 72 percent. The data provide no evidence to support D-13's conclusion that gross differences in reproducibility are obtained.

Peach, R. W.

CONFORMANCE SAMPLING FOR CHILDREN'S SLEEPI^rEAR

Standardization News, STDNA, 1 (5) 13-15 (1973).

The DOC FF 3-71 includes a sampling plan, which

though not specifically intended to be a quality

control tool, is in effect just that. Thus, the

standard will exert an influence on how a garment

manufacturer conducts his business. Additionally,

the position taken that the manufacturer's own test

data is not acceptable places an unwarranted stricure on this industry. The author warns that despite

9
Congressional pressure, government agencies should

exert more restraint before pushing through mandatory standards of this nature.

Pressley, T. A., Fincher, K. W. and Rowlands, R. J.

TEXTILE FLAf^'^lABILITY TESTING

Text. J. Australia, £8 (2) 17-20, 38, 40 (1973).

This paper explains the background to Australian

Standards 1176, "Methods for the Determination of

Flamraability of Textiles from which Clothing may be

Made", AS 1248, "Fabrics Described as of Low Flammability", and AS 1249, "Safe Design Rules for Children's Night-clothes". Rather than adopting the British

"Children's Nightdress Regulation 1964", the authors

studied the apparel fire experience in conjunction with

Australian hospitals, and related such garment parameters as fiber content, fabric construction, and

weight, as well as garment fit, to the observed hazard.

Unlike the U. S. statistics, which show a large incidence of nightwear fires, especially of females,

Australian statistics show boys wearing day-time

garments to be the foremost victims of fires.

In the ease of ignition test, hydrogen jet flames

were chosen as ignition source because of flame

stability. Samples are mounted horizontally and

ignition is from below. This results in a convenient method and rates fabrics in the same manner

as they were found in burn incidents.

The rate of burning test is vertical, and samples are

held on needles (which are small heat sinks). Ignition is by means of a 7 jet gas burner across the full

width of the sample. The use of glass threads to

stabilize the position of thermoplastic fabrics in

the flame is discussed, as is the effect of atmospheric pressure which was found to be significant.

A method for measuring total heat output during each

test, by means of recording the temperature rise in a standard copper rod in the chimney, is described but

its use in rating fabrics is in abeyance pending

further analysis of its significance.

Another method is used to measure surface burn of, e.g.,

chenille and flannel fabrics. Bone dry samples are

used for this test because most such accidents seem

to occur after the victim has been standing in front

of heat sources for considerable time periods, and the

10
garments can be assumed to be fully dried. Surface

burn is measured, in the downward direction. Methods

for measuring ease of extinction are considered; the

LOI test differentiates correctly between fibers but

is independent of fabric weight while in real-life,

heavier fabrics are harder to extinguish.

Testing and Standardization

Floor Covering

Day, M. and Wiles, D. M.

CARPET FLATIMABILITY : AN OXYGEN INDEX MODIFICATION OF

THE PILL TEST

J. Fire and Flamm. , 4 (2) 165-173 (1973).

A simple, relatively inexpensive test method for determining the flammability of carpets has been devised

based on the oxygen index concept and the timed burning

tablet test. The combustion propensity of the carpet

is determined by adjusting the proportion of oxygen in

a mixed oxygen/nitrogen, constant total flow, supply

fed into the test cabinet containing the carpet specimen. A methenamine tablet is used as a constant ignition source and rate of flame propagation is measured.

The critical oxygen value is determined as the minimiim

concentration of oxygen which will just support combustion of the test specimen after ignition. Accurate and repeatable results have been obtained. The

test method ranks carpets according to their limiting

oxygen index value and rate of burning at an oxygen

index of 21%.

Denyes, W. and Raines, J. W.

A MODEL CORRIDOR FOR THE STUDY OF FLAMJIABILITY OF

FLOOR COVERINGS

NBSIR Report 73-200, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.),

Washington, D. C. (1973) . A program was carried out to develop a laboratory

test method that would measure the flame propagation

characteristics of floor covering materials. A facility was designed which included a floor mounted specimen in a rectangular cross-sectional duct having a forced supply of air and a gas burner ignition source.

The effects of variations in duct size, ignition

source, and air flow were studied. Factors influencing repeatable test results were explored. Flame

11
spread was measured by an observer and temperature and

heat flux measurements were recorded on an electronic

digital data acquisition system.

Denyes , W. and Quintiere, J.

EXPERIMENTAL AND A?^ALYTICAL STUDIES OF FLOOR COVERING

FLAmABILITY WITH A MODEL CORRIDOR

NBSIR Report 73-199, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Washington, D. C. (1973) . The factors which control flame spread on carpets were

studied in full scale experiments in a corridor. The

predominant factor was found to be radiant preheating

of the carpet surface ahead of the flame front. If

a critical level of preheating is exceeded, an accelerating flame front will develop; if not, a decelerating flame front will develop. The intensity of radiant preheating depends on the energy supplied by

the carpet and other sources, the dimensions of the

corridor, and air velocity. Underlays provide insulation from the floor and increase carpet fire severity; bonded installation can reduce it. Mathematical modeling yields scale relationships v/hich

allow comparison of the results in the model corridor

(with some qualifications) with the results of fullscale situation. A suggested test method is described .

Huggett, C.

CARPET FLAM^IABILITY AND THE NBS FIRE CORRIDOR FIRE

PROGRAM

Standardization News, STDNA, 1 (5) 16-20 (1973).

Controversies over floor covering flammability test

methods, the need for improved standards, and several

recent fires involving floor coverings have focused

special attention to the first phase of the NBS corridor fire program. The program is designed to study

the effects of configuration, fuel loading and distribution, ventilation and other design parameters on the

spread of fire through corridors in multiple occupancy

buildings. The experimental program, observations,

and correlation with real life hazards are outlined.

Methods by which the results of flammability tests

can be scaled to predict perfomance in full-scale

buildings of different design are suggested.

12
Lee, T. G. and Huggett, C.

INTERLARORATORY EVALUATION OF THE TUNNEL TEST

(ASTM E 84) APPLIED TO FLOOR COVERINGS

NBSIR Report 73-125, NTIS COM 73-11189, Nat. Bur.

Stand. (U. S. ). , Washington, D. C. (19 73).

Results of an interlaboratory evaluation of the ASTM

E-84 tunnel test method involving eleven laboratories

and nine materials; including four carpets, are reported. Data on flame spread, smoke, and fuel contribution are analyzed statistically. Selected physical characteristics of each tunnel are tabulated

and compared relative to specifications in the test

method. The between-laboratory coefficient of variation (reproducibility) in flame spread classification

(FSC) was found to range from 7 to 29% for the four

carpets and from 18 to 43% for the other materials

tested. The betv;een-laboratory coefficients of variation for smoke developed and fuel contribution

ranged from 34 to 85% and from 22 to 117% respectively for all materials tested. The causes of

higher variability in smoke and fuel contribution

measurement between laboratories is not definitely

known but may be reasonably attributed to variations

in tunnel construction, maintenance, and operation,

in the location of photometers, and in the mounting

of thermocouples in different laboratories. Some

variability of results may possibly be due to variation in test specimens. Variation in construction

and measurement techniques among tunnels may be minimized by updating the test method standard.

Sanders, R.

A Sr4ALL SCALE BURNING TEST FOR SHAG CARPETS

Text. Chem. & Color., 5 (3) 34-37 (1973).

The objective of this work was to develop a small

scale burning test which would correlate with the

tendency for a flame to propagate through the pile

of shag carpets. A method was devised to test flame

propagation through the pile of shag carpets by using

the oxygen index tester. A small swatch of carpet

was mounted in the test chamber in the horizontal

pile-side-up position. Stainless steel rods, 1/8-

inch in diameter, were placed between tuft rows in

order to prevent interference due to ignition of the

backing, and the oxygen index designated as the Pile

Burn Index (PBI) of the carpet was determined. It was

13
found that shag carpets which did not meet the acceptance criterion of the methenamine tablet test (U. S.

Departnent of Commerce Flammability Standard) due to

propagation of the flame through the carpet pile had

FBI's in the range of 18-20, while those which passed

the test had FBI's of 22 or greater. The shag carpets

with FBI's between 20 and 22 were found to exhibit

marginal behavior in the tablet test. The FBI's of

both polyester shag and nylon shag carpets were decreased when certain chemical residues from the dye

bath (especially silicone) were on the carpet specimens .

Segall, W. M.

CARFET FLAWmBILITY UFDATE

Amer. Dyestuff Rep., 62_ (6) 36 (1973).

A brief description of the flammability regulation of

carpets; the citations by FTC for violation of the

standard by numerous manufacturers; the definition of

addition of alumina trihydrate used in lattices or foams

as a fire retardant treatment and the need to launder

such carpets before testing; and the presentation by

industry to FTC of evidence that the laundering procedure of FTC was unrealistic and substitution of a better procedure.

Segall, W. M.

EFFECT OF FLAMMABILITY STANDARDS ON THE CARPET INDUSTRY

Standardization News, STDNA, 1 (5) 21-22, 68 (1973).

The experience of the carpet industry with the first

flammability standard developed under the amended

Flammable Fabrics Act has demonstrated the need for a

statistical approach to the enforcement of government

regulations based on mandatory safety standards. Recognition of the inherent variability of manufactured

products and the lack of precision of test methods

can be established by the incorporation of valid sampling plans in future standards.

14
Stamm, G.

EVALUATION OF THE FLA^IT^ABILITY OF TEXTILE FLOOR AND

WALL COVERINGS

Textilveredlung, 8 (6) 326-340 (1973).

This paper describes the work leading to a new Swiss

Standard "Determination of Flammability Properties

of Textile Floor and Wall Covering" {Sm 198,897,

draft May 19 73) . A number of carpets were tested by

four methods, all using a 2 0 mm gas flame. Flame

spread, burn, and afterglow times were measured.

Samples were tested in the vertical position, and

ignition time was varied. Flammability classifications based on flame spread and burn time are discussed .

Thoram , E . C

.

EFFECTS OF CARPET VARIABLES ON THE METHENAMINE PILL

TEST

J. Fire & Flammability, 4 (2) 197-209 (1973) . Polyamide carpets were "pill-tested" in accordance

with the ASTM D-2 859-70T test method. Effects of the

different carpet variables and components such as face

yarn arrangement, backing materials and adhesive materials were compared and analyzed. It was found that

carpets with longer loops , polypropylene primary backing , urethane foam secondary backing and ordinary adhesive burned most readily. The use of jute as primary of secondary backing and the incorporation of

alumina trihydrate in the adhesive latex exhibited

beneficial effects.

Testing and Standardization

Mattresses

Anon

.

CALIFORNIA SETS STANDARDS

Bedding Magazine, 100 (11) 21 (1972).

The California Assembly Bill 1522 sets the effective

date for the manufacture of flame retardant mattresses for June 7, 1973 and requires that the Bureau of

Home Furnishings adopt regulations for the flammability of upholstered furniture by April 1, 1975.

15
The California mattress standard requires a vertical

flame test for all components labelled "fire retardant"

.

McKee, C. J. L.

FLAMMABILITY: HISTORY, CIGARETTE TEST, STANDARD, ALTERATIONS, PRODUCT SAFETY

Bedding Magazine, 101 (5) 41-43, 66-63, 81 (1973).

The history of the Flammability Standard for Mattresses

(DOC FF 4-72) is described. Lighted cigarettes are

used as the ignition source in the test. They are

placed on the bare surface as well as between two

pieces of cotton sheeting on the mattress, in smooth

areas, in quilted channels and tufted depressions (if

any), as well as at the taped edge. The criterion for

failure is a char extending for more than two inches

from the cigarette. Several sampling plans cover the

number of failures permissible in prototype and production testing.

Roe, R.

THE IMPACT OF THE NEW FLAMMABILITY STANDARDS ON THE

BEDDING INDUSTRY

Standardization News, STDNA, 1 (5) 23-25 (1973)..

In order to meet the new Federal Flammability Standards

for Bedding, the industry will have to redesign all mattress products to meet necessary resistance to ignition

from cigarettes. Each mattress manufacturer must also

provide space and equipment to perform required test

procedure, conduct destructive tests on mattresses prior

to beginning production in order to certify compliance

with the standards, conduct further on-going tests according to a work sampling plan and maintain certain

record keeping for Federal enforcing agencies.

16
Testing and Standardization

Miscellaneous

Anon

.

FLAiME RETARDANTS UNDERGO CPIECK

Ainer. Dyestuff Rep., 62_ (5) 28 (19 73*).

A short description is given of testing according to

procedures specified by the Board of Standards and

Appeals, City of New York, "Rules for Tests for FireResistive Flaraep roofed Materials". Ignition is by

means of a gas burner; the fabric sample is unrestrained; there shall be no more than 3 seconds afterflame time or 20 seconds afterglow time; and there

shall be no flashing at any point on the specimen.

The test applies to decorative and acoustical materials used in places of public assembly and special occupancy. Chemical systems which produce cotton,

cotton/polyester, 100% polyester and triacetate fabrics that satisfy the requirements are mentioned.

Feller, I., Richards, K. and Crane, K.

THE ROLE OF FLAMI4ABILE FABRICS IN SEVERE BURN

INJURIES

Proc. 6th Annual Meeting ICFF , Nev; York, 16 7-174

(Dec. 1972).

Data collected by the National Burn Information

Exchange show that clothing ignited in 86% of 4,596

flame-burn cases and were compared with those in

which no clothing item ignited. In the former,

mortality was 3 times higher and there were very

substantial increases in the average areas of total

and of full thickness burns, days of hospitalization

and cost.

Hendrix, J. F., Drake, G. L., Jr. and Reeves, W. A.

SOME FACTORS AFFECTING FABRIC FLAMM.ABILITY AS MEASURED

BY THE OXYGEN INDEX (OlT

Text. Chem. & Color., 5^ (8) 13-17 (1973).

The use of oxygen index (01) for determining relative

f lammabilities of textile materials is discussed in

terms of variables inherent in the technique and artificial variables introduced for the purpose of this

17
study. 01 values were found dependent on size and

construction of the sample holder, temperature of the

testing environment, weight, construction, moisture

content and purity and the sample being tested.

Lehman, H. H.

A REVIEW OF THE FLAME RETARDANT FABRICS STUDY CONDUCTED

AT THE NEW ORLEANS PHS HOSPITAL

Proc. 6th Annual Meeting ICFF , New York, 17 8-19 8

(Dec. 1972)

.

Untreated cotton fabrics and cotton fabrics treated

with experimental FR treatment, polyester/cotton

blends, fiberglass, modacrylics, X-400, and Nomex

fabrics were used in hospital sheets, pillow cases,

bedspreads, blankets, mattress covers, curtains, and

gowns, for a period representing 200,000 patient bed

days. No dermatological effects of FR materials could

be detected, nor were there any significant differences in bacteriological growth on ordinary and FR

materials. There was a 50% reduction in fire loss

when the FR items were employed. Nomex sheets were

disliked by the nursing staff because of slippage and

color. Laundering conditions were adjusted for the FR

cotton fabrics, which resulted in good resistance of

the treatments to laundering.

Ignition, Heat Developm.ents

,

Combustion Products

Birky, M. M. and Yeh , Kwan-nan

CALORIMETRIC STUDY OF FLATl^lABLE FABRICS. PART I.

INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENTS

J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 17 (1) 239-253 (1973).

A calorimeter has been designed, calibrated, and

tested to measure the total amount of heat released

and the rate of heat released from the combustion of

fabrics in air. Calibration of the calorimeter gave

a reproducibility of ±3% for total heat measurements

and ±5% on rate measurements. Consideration of systematic errors gives an expected accuracy of ±7% for

total heat and ±10% for com.bustion rate measurements.

Measurements on cotton show that 90% of the standard

heat of combustion is released when cotton is burned

in air. The rate of heat release for cotton is independent of fabric weight. The constancy of rate of

18
heat release as determined calorimetrically confirmed

the result implied by the 45° test measurements on

flame spread rate. The rate and amount of heat release of other commercial fabrics and blends were

also measured.

Birky, M. M.

COMBUSTION PRODUCT ANALYSIS FROM FULL SCALE FLOOR

COVERING FIRES

Polymer Prepr., Amer. Chem. Soc, Div. Polym. Chem. , 14 (2) 1011-1016 (1973)

.

Smoke and gas measurements were conducted during

fires in which carpets were burned in a 30 foot corridor. Gas sampling was at the ceiling where the

concentrations were highest. Maximum tolerable concentration of CO and CO2 and minimum concentrations

of O2 as well as visibility attenuation due to smoke

were discussed. Typical times to reach these concentrations during the fire were listed.

Chouinard, M. P., Knodel, D. C. and Arnold, H. W.

HEAT TRANSFER FROM FLAI#1ABLE FABRICS

Text. Res. J., 42 (3) 166-175 (1973).

An instrumented mannequin was constructed to measure

the general heat transfer from single- and multi-layer

garment systems after ignition by a flame source. A

range of weights in fabrics of cotton, polyester/

cotton, acrylic, wool, nylon, and polyester has been

studied.

Due in large measure to the melt-drip phenomenon,

garments of polyester or nylon were found to burn

relatively slowly over a limited area and selfexting^iish, resulting in little heat transfer to the

mannequin. To supplement the mannequin data, an instrument was developed to record all modes of heat

transfer, including that from melted polymer. This

paper deals with its application to both single and

double fabric layers.

Measurements were related to possible physiological

effects, using data from the literature and a supplementary pathological study.

19
McCarter, R. J.

A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR THERMAL ANALYSIS OF VAPOR PRODUCING

REACTIONS

J. Appl. Poly. Sci., 17_ (6) 1833-1846 (1973).

An apparatus was developed for measuring the rate at

which vapors are evolved during the thermal degradation of materials and thereby deriving the kinetics of

such reactions. Requisite to the operating scheme of

the apparatus is the provision of a high-temperature

zone to convert condensable or tarry vapors into noncondensable form. The apparatus yields a direct measure

of reaction velocity, rather than the integrated indication obtained with thermogravimetric analysis. This

simplifies the identification and calculation of kinetic parameters. Increases in sensitivity and operating range are also achieved. Flexibility in operation

is obtained that permits the separate recording of reactions that tend to overlap. Although the apparatus

principally has been operated using a combustible gas

indicator to meter the evolved vapors, a number of

options are available for the latter function, including flowmeters and various continous gas analyzers.

Examples of results obtained with untreated and FR

treated cellulose are given.

TVulff, W. , Alkidas, A., Hess, R. W. and Zuber, N.

FABRIC IGNITION

Text. Res. J., 42 (10) 577-588 (1973).

The burn injury hazard of fabrics has been conceptually

related to laboratory test methods. The relation is to

be derived from the description of the relevant processes which lead to burn injury. Among these processes

stand out the ignition, the burn and the tissue denaturalization processes as predominately deterministic

because of predictable fabric response.

Presented here are the results of an experimental and

analytical investigation into the fabric ignition process. Thermophysical fabric properties relevant to

the description of the ignition process have been presented. Fabric ignition times were measured under radiative heating. Modeling rules for the ignition process are oresented.

20
Yeh, Kwan-nan, Birky, M. M. and Huggett, C.

CAL0Rir4ETRIC STUDY OF FLAMI^IABLE FABRICS. PART II . ANALYSIS OF FLATIE RETARDANT-TREATFD COTTON

J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 17 (1) 255-268 (1973).

Efficiencies of three flame retardants for cellulose,

(phosphoric acid, diairanonium phosphate, and THPOH

ammonia finish) have been evaluated based on the

heat release value and the rate of heat release of

treated fabrics burning in air measured with the

isoperibol calorimeter. The results were com.pared

and correlated with those obtained previously with

the bomb-calorimetric technique. Complete heat

balances were obtained for the systems studies by

correlation of the calorimetric data and the measurement of combustible gases evolved from the fabric

burning in air. The rate of heat release was found

to correlate with the flame propagation rate measured

at a 45° angle. The results from the heat, rate, and

combustible gas measurements v^ere interpretable in

terms of existing mechanisms of f lame-retardant action.

Effect of Laundering on FR Characteristics

of Fabrics

Anon

.

DETERGENTS AND FLAn?-lABILITY

Text. Chem. & Color., 4 (12) 20-21 (1972).

Nearly 100 persons attended a three-hour meeting of

the Ad Hoc Committee on Detergents of AATCC . The

entire meeting was devoted to the influence of washing procedures upon the f lammability properties of

fabrics and garments which initially meet the requirements of DOC FF 3-71. Extensive discussion reviewed

the effects of hard water (calcium and magnesium ions)

on washing with sodium soap, sodium carbonate-built

detergents, low phosphate detergents and high phosphate detergents. It was the consensus that the use

of soap with water hardness above 100 ppm would result in a significant loss of flame resistance on

most if not all of the major fabrics being considered

for garments which meet the standard initially.

21
Anon

.

EFFECT OF SOIL ON FLAME RETARDANCE

Text. Chem. & Color., 5^ (3) 25 (1973).

Cominittee RA56, Stain Resistance, of The American

Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

,

is planning a study on the effect of soil redeposition

and unremoved soil on the effectiveness of flame retardant fabrics. An attempt will be made to use a modification of the currently proposed redeposition

methods utilizing the automatic home washer. Cooperative participation in the study by two other

committees has been invited (Committee RA82, Flammability and Fire Resistance, and Committee RA83,

Soiling of Household Textiles other than Floor

Coverings)

.

Defosse, T. C.

THE INFLUENCE OF DETERGENT ADDITIVES ON FLATIMABILITY

Paper at Meeting of AATCC, Atlantic City, N. J.,

(Sept. 1973)

.

The purpose of this study was to present experimental

results obtained when a variety of fire retardant fabrics were laundered with a series of detergent types

under varying water hardness conditions. The main

objective of the work was to define the effects of

these detergents on a number of representative fire

retardant fabrics and to identify cause of fire retardant impairment where applicable. Analytical data

relating to detergent effects and photomicrographs of

washed fabrics are presented. Fibers and finishes

included in the study are acetate, cotton, high temperature nylon, modacrylics, PVA-PVC matrix fiber and

rayon, all fire retardant, either inherently or by

chemical finishing.

LeBlanc, R. B. and LeBlanc, D. A.

EFFECTS OF CALCIUM DEPOSITS ON FIRE RETARDANT COTTON

Amer. Dyestuff Rep., 62_ (3) 50 (1973).

This paper is a follow-up to the previous citation.

Calcium chloride was deposited on FR treated cotton

fabrics which were then soaked in trisodium phosphate

or sodium carbonate solutions. Fire retardance was

not lost by deposition of calcium phosphate in. situ

22
at a L?. ievei hcr ly deposition of calcium carbonate

at the 1% level, or deposition of calcium chloride

when 1% calcium is present.

LeBlanc, R. B. and LeBlanc, D. A.

FLAfll^lABILITY OF SLEEPWEAR LAUNDERED WITH VARIOUS

DETERGENTS

American Dyestuff Rep., 62 (1) 28-30 (1973).

The present work was done to study the effects of

laundering variables on flame retardant fabrics. The

fabrics were laundered in soft and hard water, (the

rinse water in all cases was approximately 3 5 ppm) and

with high-phosphate detergent, low-phosphate detergent

and soap. Flam.e retardance was evaluated by the Children's Sleepwear Standard DOC FF 3-71.

It was proven that fabrics did not pick up measurable

calcium phosphate during laundering in phosphate detergents and the fire retardance v/as not lost.

Calcium soaps did deposit on the fabrics laundered in

hard water with soap, and this caused a loss in fire

retardance

.

Calcium salts v/ere padded onto FR cotton and it was

found that these calcium salts did not cause a loss in

fire retardance.

It was also found that stearic acid affected the fire

retardance of FR cotton as much as did calcium stearate.

FR Fiber and FR Finish Identification

Ellzey, S. E., Jr. and Connick, W. J., Jr.

GASOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THPC

Amer. Dyestuff Rep., 62_ (6) 47-48 (1973).

A procedure was developed for the analysis of commercial solutions of THPC. The method involves the

collection and measurement of the volume of hydrogen

evolved from the reaction of THPC and excess NaOH.

The measurement requires inexpensive equipment and is

reasonably rapid and precise. Accuracy with solutions

of known concentrations is quite good.

23
Morris, R. N. , McCall, E. R. and Tripp, V. W.

IDENTIFYING FINISHES BY INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY : FLUOROCHEMICALS AND FLAME RETARDANTS

Text. Chem. & Color., 4 (12) 39-42 (1972).

An extraction procedure to successively remove various additives from the fabric undergoing analysis is

described. The resulting extracts are examined by

infrared spectroscopy and identified by comparison

with a catalog of infrared spectra. In this study

f luorochemical and flame retardant finishes are added

to the functional categories previously examined. A

comparison of extraction techniques is discussed and

the need for a reliable catalog of reference spectra

is emphasized.

Nelson, K. H. and Kelly, H. J., Jr.

NONDESTRUCTIVE DETERMINATION OF PHOSPORUS FLAI-IE

RETARDANTS

Text. Chem. & Color, 5 (6) 29-31 (1973).

Woven and knit polyester, polyester/cotton and cotton

fabrics can be analyzed for phosphorus flame retardants

by nondispersive x-ray fluorescence. Commercial instrumentation incorporating an Fe-55 isotope source, a helium atmosphere, a proportional counter and a single channel analyzer is used. The fabric is placed over the

irradiation source and counted. A background correction

count is obtained with untreated fabric and the milligrams phosphorus is read from a current calibration

curve prepared with permanent fabric standards. Then

the percent phosphorus is calculated after the weight

of the counted area is derived from the total fabric

area and weight. After analysis, the intact fabric is

available for burning rate studies or further tests.

With an alternative procedure, disks cut from the fabric

with a circular die can be analyzed. Errors from chlorine and other elements are eliminated with a balanced

filter.

24
Perkins, W. S.

A METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF COTTON/KOHJIN

BLENDS

Text. Chem. & Color., 5 (8) 18, 19 (1973).

Blends of cotton and Kohjin fibers are analyzed quantitatively by dissolution of the Kohjin portion by

successive treatments with 40% (w/w) formic acid and

N , N-dimethylformamide . Analysis of the moisture regain of the blend also gives an indication of the

blend composition, since the moisture regain is directly proportional to the percentage of cotton. The

accuracy of the dissolution method appears to be about

±1%, that of the moisture determination about ±3%.

25
NBS-n4A !HL V ;. 7 i)

U S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. rUHI li A 1 ION OR Rl- roR 1 NO. NBSIR 74-455

2, ( lov 't A(-t (- s s ion No.

3, Kcc ipiciK A. (.fssion No.

4. n i l, I- AND .suin l l l.l. Abstracts of Papers on Testing and Analysis of

Flammable Fabrics October 1972 to October 1973

J. 1 11 bl K at 1 on 1 )mv

March 1974

6. Performing (Vganization < ode

7. AU rilOR(S)

John F. Krasny

8. Performing Organ. Report No. NESIR 74-455

9. PKRI-ORMIN(i ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRHSS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

I10. Proiect/Task/Work Unit No. 4903390

11. ( ontract/Cirant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Complete Address (Street, City, State, ZIP)

same as no. 9

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

14. Sponsoring Agency C^ode

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

16. ABSTRAC T (A 200-word or less factual sumrrjary of most si^ificant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.)

This collection of abstracts covers papers on textile flammability

testing and analysis of flame retardant fibers and finishes, for the

period October 1972 to October 1973. It is hoped that this collection

will facilitate research in this area in which there has been great

interest in connection with the introduction of fabric and garment

flammability standards by the Federal and several state governments.

Similar collections appear in the Proceedings of the Annual Meetings

of the Information Council on Fabric Flammability, available from the

Council, Room 510, 14 57 Broadway, New York, N.Y., 10036.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unless a proper name; separated by semicolons

)

Burn injuries; carpets; clothing; fabrics; fire retardants; flammability testing. ' •

18. AVAILABILITY;' : fx: Unlimited

Q For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

21. NO. OF PAGES

UNCL ASSIFIED

Order From Sup. of Doc, U.S. Government ^-"tinting Office Washington, D.C. 20402. SD Cat. No. C13

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

22. Price

[y^ Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS)

Springfield, Virginia 22151 UNCLASSIFIED

USCOMM-DC 29042-P74