Plastics - Smoke generation - Part 2: Determination of optical density by a single-chamber test

2Scope / Description

This document specifies a method for measuring smoke generation from exposed surfaces of materials or composites. The method is applicable to specimens with a substantially flat surface and a thickness not exceeding 25 mm (when placed horizontally in an enclosed enclosure and exposed to a specified level of thermal radiation, including or excluding a ignition flame). This test method is applicable to all plastics. The optical density values determined by this test should be considered specific to the specimen or component material being tested and should not be considered inherent, fundamental characteristics. This test is primarily for research and development in construction, trains, ships, etc., and for fire safety engineering, and is not intended as a basis for rating in building codes or other uses. No basis is provided for predicting smoke density of materials under other (actual) exposure conditions to heat and flame. This test procedure excludes the influence of eye irritants. Note: This test procedure involves visibility loss due to smoke density, which is generally unrelated to the intensity of irritation. It should be emphasized that the amount of smoke generated by a material depends on the level of radiation the specimen is exposed to. The results produced by the method specified in this document are based on exposure to specific radiation levels of 25 kW/m² and 50 kW/m².