ASTM D 6413 Flame Resistance of Textiles

What does the ASTM D 6413 test method pertain to?

ASTM D 6413 method is a laboratory based test that is used to measure the vertical flame resistance of textiles. It should be noted that ASTM D 6413 does not test or measure the degree of fire risk or hazard.


How exactly does ASTM D 6413 test fabrics?

Small sections of textile are hung, vertically, inside a chamber. Through the use of a controlled flame, these small samples are exposed for different periods of time. Once the flame is turned off the material continues to burn. The amount of time this material continues to burn is then recorded - this is known as the "After Flame Time" . 
Once the After Flame Time measurement is recorded another calculation is taken to see how long the material "glows" once the flame has extinguished. This is commonly referred to as the "After Glow Time". 
Next a char length measurement is recorded by taking the article and tearing it from the edge of the burn, up to the charred area. 



References: 

ASTM D6413-99 Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test). (n.d.). Retrieved on March 10, 2009 from
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