Designation: C303 − 10 (Reapproved 2016)´1
Standard Test Method for
Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and
Board–Type Thermal Insulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C303; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected 5.2 and 6.2 in November 2016.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers determination of the dimensions
and density of block and board insulation as defined in
Terminology C168.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
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responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or
Batt Thermal Insulations
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
Insulation Lots
C870 Practice for Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Ma-
terials
3. Terminology
3.1 General—Terminology C168 shall be considered as
applicable to the terms used in this test method.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on Mechanical
Properties.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2016. Published November 2016. Originally
published as approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as
C303 – 10. DOI: 10.1520/C0303-10R16E01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The material shall be tested in the “dry” condition or in
the “as manufactured and received” condition (see Note 1) but
the procedure must be consistent with that as given in the
material specification. If the material is to be tested in the “dry”
condition it shall be dried to constant mass. If the material
specification does not give conditioning instructions, a condi-
tioning environment of 73°F 6 4°F (23°C 6 2°C) and 50 6
5 % relative humidity per Practice C870 shall be used. From
the measured mass and measured dimensions, the density of
the product is calculated.
NOTE 1—Some materials may contain volatiles such as moisture when
manufactured or shipped, or both.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Dimensional measurements of the product thermal in-
sulation are essential in determining compliance of a product
with specification limits. Dimensional measurements of vari-
ous test specimens are also required by the specific test
method.
5.2 Density measurements of the product insulation are
useful in determining compliance of a product with specifica-
tion limits, and in providing a relative gage of product weights.
For any one kind of insulation, some important physical and
mechanical properties, such as thermal conductivity, heat
capacity, strength, etc., bear a specific relationship with its
density. In order to design for equipment supports, check the
material for the “as received density” where the moisture
content of the product as received and then installed has the
potential to be consequential.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Steel measure, (ruler or tape), graduated in millimetres
or better, suitable for measuring dimensions to 6 1.0 % (see
Note 2).
6.2 Instrument, such as caliper, dial gage, or micrometer
graduated in millimetres or better, with a minimum plate
diameter of 6 mm, and a maximum plate of 1.0 by 1.0 in. (25
 C303 − 10 (2016)´1
by 25 mm). This instrument shall be suitable for measuring the
dimensions to 61.0 %. This instrument shall not cause defor-
mation of the product when measuring it. Ensure that the
pressure exerted by this measuring plate does not exceed 0.040
psi or 5psf (0.245 kPa).
6.3 Pin probe depth gage per Test Methods C167.
6.4 Scales, accurate to within 0.0lb (5g) or within 1 % of the
specimen mass (whichever is less). If the material specification
calls for a greater accuracy, this shall take precedence. If the
samples are to be conditioned per Practice C870 the accuracy
shall be within 0.1 %.
6.5 Drying Oven.
NOTE 2—Generally a rule or instrument is used for dimensions less than
a metre and a tape used for longer dimensions.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 The test specimens shall be of commercial size when-
ever practicable, but shall not be less than 4 in. wide by 8 in.
long (100 mm wide by 200 mm long), except if required by a
specific test method. The sample size shall be determined in
accordance with the material specification. If not specified
there, then in accordance with Practice C390 test at least five
specimens.
7.2 When less than full commercial size pieces are tested
ends and sides shall be trimmed by cutting or fabricating to
give a block with parallel sides and ends with only top and
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bottom surfaces original.
8. Conditioning
8.1 If the specimens are to be conditioned, condition the
specimens to constant mass in accordance with Practice C870.
Consult the materials specification for any specific condition-
ing requirements.
8.2 If the specimens are not to be conditioned, test as soon
as possible.
9. Procedure
9.1 After conditioning, measure the width and length of the
specimen to the nearest 1 mm unless different tolerances are
given in the material specification, or there are different
measurement tolerances within a specific test method to be
applied.
9.2 If the pin probe depth gage is used the measurements
shall be per 8.2 of Test Methods C167.
9.3 The thickness shall be measured along the edges in at
least four different locations, generally near the four corners
approximately 1-3 in. (25-75 mm) from the corner, as shown in
Fig. 1 for locations A,B,C, and D. The length and width shall
be measured in at least two locations. At approximately along
the A-B and C-D lines for the width and the A-D and B-C lines
for the length. For specimens larger than 10 ft2 (1 m2 ) in area,
2
there shall be an additional two thickness measurements for
each additional 10 ft2 (1 m2) in size. These would be in the
central section of the specimen as shown by locations E and F.
There shall also be an additional length or width measurement
for each additional meter increase in length or width over 3 ft
(1 m) long. These measurement positions shall be spaced
approximately equally within the original measurement area
defined by A,B,C,D.
9.4 Measure and record the mass.
10. Calculation
10.1 Calculate the volume of the specimen from the average
width, length, and thickness as follows:
Volume, Cu.ft. 5 length, in. 3 width, in. 3 thickness, in./1728 (1)
~ Volume, m 3 5 length, mm 3 width, mm 3 thickness, mm 3 1029 !
10.2 Calculate the density of the specimen from the mass
and calculated volume as follows:
mass, kg
Density, kg/m 3 5 (2)
volume, m 3
density, lb/ft3 5 density, kg/m 3 3 0.0624 (3)
11. Report
11.1 Report the average density of the sample in pounds per
cubic foot or kilograms per cubic metre. Report density to three
significant figures.
11.2 Report the dimensions. Report dimensions to the near-
est millimetre, or as requested.
11.3 Material identification including manufacturers type/
grade designation and lot number or date of manufacture.
11.4 Date testing was performed.
11.5 Specimen conditioning used or “tested as received.”
12. Precision and Bias3
12.1 Precision of the density test method was determined by
a round robin with six participating laboratories. The product
tested was mineral fiber board insulation at a density of
2.98 lb/ft3 (47.74 kg/m3).
12.2 Precision results:
95% Repeatability Limit (2.8Sr) = 1.7%
95% Reproducibility Limit (2.8SR) = 3.3%
12.3 Bias—No information can be presented on the bias of
the procedure in this test method because no material having an
accepted reference value is available.
13. Keywords
13.1 block; board; density; dimensions ; thermal insulation;
thermal insulating materials–block and board
3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM Headquarters. Request Research
Report RR:C16-1025.
 C303 − 10 (2016)´1

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FIG. 1 Specimen Measurement

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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
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make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
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3
 Designation: D1621 − 16

Standard Test Method for

Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1621; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 3.1.2 compliance correction—an analytical method of

1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining
the compressive properties of rigid cellular materials, particu-
larly expanded plastics.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This test method and ISO 844 are technically equivalent.
2. Referenced Documents
modifying test instrument displacement values to eliminate the
amount of that measurement attributed to test instrument
compliance.
3.1.3 compressive deformation—the decrease in length pro-
duced in the gage length of the test specimen by a compressive
load expressed in units of length.
3.1.4 compressive strain—the dimensionless ratio of com-
pressive deformation to the gage length of the test specimen or
the change in length per unit of original length along the
longitudinal axis.
3.1.5 compressive strength—the stress at the yield point if a
yield point occurs before 10 % deformation (as in Fig. 1a) or,

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in the absence of such a yield point, the stress at 10 %
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 deformation (as in Fig. 1b).
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines 3.1.6 compressive stress (nominal)—the compressive load
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten- per unit area of minimum original cross section within the gage
someter Systems boundaries, carried by the test specimen at any given moment,
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to expressed in force per unit area.
Determine the Precision of a Test Method 3.1.7 compressive stress-strain diagram—a diagram in
2.2 ISO Standard: which values of compressive stress are plotted as ordinates
ISO 844 Cellular Plastics—Compression Test of Rigid Ma- against corresponding values of compressive strain as abscis-
terials3 sas.

3. Terminology 3.1.8 compressive yield point—the first point on the stress-

3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 compliance—the displacement difference between test
machine drive system displacement values and actual specimen
displacement.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.22 on Cellular Materials -
Plastics and Elastomers.
Current edition approved May 1, 2016. Published May 2016. Originally
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D1621 - 10. DOI:
10.1520/D1621-16.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
strain diagram at which an increase in strain occurs without an
increase in stress.
3.1.9 deflectometer—a device used to sense the compressive
deflection of the specimen by direct measurement of the
distance between the compression platens.
3.1.10 displacement—compression platen movement after
the platens contact the specimen, expressed in millimetres or
inches.
3.1.11 gage length—the initial measured thickness of the
test specimen expressed in units of length.
3.1.12 modulus of elasticity—the ratio of stress (nominal) to
corresponding strain below the proportional limit of a material
expressed in force per unit area based on the minimum initial
cross-sectional area.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D1621 − 16
X1 = 10 % CORE DEFORMATION
X2 = DEFLECTION (APPROXIMATELY 13 %)
FIG. 1 a Compressive Strength (See 3.1.5 and Section 9)
3.1.13 proportional limit—the greatest stress that a material
is capable of sustaining without any deviation from propor-
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tionality of stress-to-strain (Hooke’s law) expressed in force
per unit area.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method provides information regarding the
behavior of cellular materials under compressive loads. Test
data is obtained, and from a complete load-deformation curve
it is possible to compute the compressive stress at any load
(such as compressive stress at proportional-limit load or
compressive strength at maximum load) and to compute the
effective modulus of elasticity.
4.2 Compression tests provide a standard method of obtain-
ing data for research and development, quality control, accep-
tance or rejection under specifications, and special purposes.
The tests cannot be considered significant for engineering
design in applications differing widely from the load - time
scale of the standard test. Such applications require additional
tests such as impact, creep, and fatigue.
4.3 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall
be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any
test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing
parameters, or a combination thereof, covered in the materials
specification shall take precedence over those mentioned in this
test method. If there are no material specifications, then the
default conditions apply.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Testing Machine—A testing instrument that includes
both a stationary and movable member and includes a drive
system for imparting to the movable member (crosshead), a
2
FIG. 1 b Compressive Strength (See 3.1.5 and Section 9)
uniform, controlled velocity with respect to the stationary
member (base). The testing machine shall also include the
following:
5.1.1 Load Measurement System—A load measurement sys-
tem capable of accurately recording the compressive load
imparted to the test specimen. The system shall be indicate the
load with an accuracy of 61 % of the measured value or better.
The accuracy of the load measurement system shall be verified
in accordance with Practices E4.
5.2 Compression Platens—Two flat plates, one attached to
the stationary base of the testing instrument and the other
attached to the moving crosshead to deliver the load to the test
specimen. These plates shall be larger than the specimen
loading surface to ensure that the specimen loading is uniform.
It is recommended that one platen incorporate a spherical
seating mechanism to compensate for non-parallelism in the
specimen’s loading surfaces or non-parallelism in the base and
crosshead of the testing instrument.
5.3 Displacement Measurement System—A displacement
measurement system capable of accurately recording the com-
pressive deformation of the test specimen during testing to an
accuracy of 61 % of the measured value or better. This
measurement is made through use of the test machine cross-
head drive system or using a direct measurement of compres-
sion platen displacement.
5.3.1 Direct Compression Platen Displacement—This sys-
tem shall employ a deflectometer that directly reads the distant
between the upper and lower compression platens. The accu-
racy of the displacement measurement transducer shall be
verified in accordance with Practices E83 and shall be classi-
fied as a Class C or better.
 D1621 − 16
5.3.2 Test Machine Crosshead Drive System—This system
shall employ the position output from the crosshead drive
system as a indicator of compression platen displacement. This
method is only appropriate when it is demonstrated that the
effects of drive system compliance result in displacement
errors of less than 1 % of the measurement or if appropriate
compliance correction methods are employed to reduce the
measurement error to less than 1 %.
5.3.2.1 Determining Drive System Compliance—Testing in-
strument drive systems always exhibit a certain level of
compliance that is characterized by a variance between the
reported crosshead displacement and the displacement actually
imparted to the specimen. This variance is a function of load
frame stiffness, drive system wind-up, load cell compliance
and fixture compliance. This compliance can be measured then,
if determined to be significant and empirically subtracted from
test data to improve test accuracy. The procedure to determine
compliance follows:
(1) Configure the test system to match the actual test
configuration.
(2) Position the two compression platens very close to each
other simulating a zero thickness specimen in place.
(3) Start the crosshead moving at 12.5 mm (0.5 in.)/min in
the compression direction recording crosshead displacement
and the corresponding load values.
(4) Increase load to a point exceeding the highest load
expected during specimen testing. Stop the crosshead and
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return to the pre-test location.
(5) The recorded load-deflection curve, starting when the
compression platens contact one another, is defined as test
system compliance
5.3.2.2 Performing Compliance Correction—Using the
load-deflection curve created in 5.3.2.1, measure the system
compliance at each given load value. On each specimen test
curve at each given load value, subtract the system compliance
from each recorded displacement value. This will be the new
load-deflection curve for use in calculations starting in Section
9.
5.4 Micrometer Dial Gauge, caliper, or steel rule, suitable
for measuring dimensions of the specimens to 61 % of the
measured values.
6. Test Specimen
6.1 The test specimen shall be square or circular in cross
section with a minimum of 25.8 cm2 (4 in.2) and maximum of
232 cm2 (36 in.2) in area. The minimum height shall be 25.4
mm (1 in.) and the maximum height shall be no greater than the
width or diameter of the specimen. Care should be taken so that
the loaded ends of the specimen are parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the sides.
NOTE 2—Cellular plastics are not ideal materials, and the compressive
modulus may appear significantly different, depending on the test
conditions, particularly the test thickness. All data that are to be compared
should be obtained using common test conditions.
6.2 All surfaces of the specimen shall be free from large
visible flaws or imperfections.
3
6.3 If the material is suspected to be anisotropic, the
direction of the compressive loading must be specified relative
to the suspected direction of anisotropy.
6.4 A minimum of five specimens shall be tested for each
sample. Specimens that fail at some obvious flaw should be
discarded and retests made, unless such flaws constitute a
variable the effect of which it is desired to study.
7. Conditioning
7.1 Conditioning—Condition the test specimens at 23 6
2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not
less than 40 h prior to test in accordance with Procedure A of
Practice D618, unless otherwise specified in the contract or
relevant material specification. In cases of disagreement, the
tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and 65 % relative humid-
ity.
7.2 Test Conditions—Conduct tests in the standard labora-
tory atmosphere of 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F) and 50 6 10 %
relative humidity, unless otherwise specified. In cases of
disagreement, the tolerances shall be 61°C (61.8°F) and
65 % relative humidity.
8. Procedure
8.1 Measure the dimensions of the specimen to a precision
of 61 % of the measurement as follows:
8.1.1 Thicknesses up to and including 25.4 mm (1 in.) shall
be measured using a dial-type gauge having a foot with
minimum area of 6.45 cm2 (1 in.2). Hold the pressure of the
dial foot to 0.17 6 0.03 kPa (0.025 6 0.005 psi).
8.1.2 Measure dimensions over 25.4 mm (1 in.) with a dial
gauge, a sliding-caliper gauge, or a steel scale. When a
sliding-caliper gauge is employed, the proper setting shall be
that point at which the measuring faces of the gauge contact the
surfaces of the specimen without compressing them.
8.1.3 Record each dimension as an average of three mea-
surements.
8.2 Place the specimen between the compression platens
ensuring that the specimen center-line is aligned with the
center-line of the compression platens and the load will be
distributed as uniformly as possible over the entire loading
surface of the specimen. It will expedite the testing process if,
when the specimen is in place, the upper platen is positioned
close to, but not touching, the specimen.
8.2.1 If following 5.3.2.1, attach the deflectometer or com-
pression extensometer to the compression platens.
8.3 Start the crosshead moving in the direction to compress
the specimen with a rate of crosshead displacement equal to
10 % of the sample thickness per minute 60.25 mm (60.01
in.)/min.
8.4 Record compression platen displacement and the corre-
sponding load data. This recorded curve will be used directly if
following 5.3.2.1 or could be modified following 5.3.2.2.
8.5 Continue until a yield point is reached or until the
specimen has been compressed approximately 13 % of its
original thickness, whichever occurs first.
8.5.1 When specified, a deformation other than 10 % may
be used as the point at which stress shall be calculated. In such
 D1621 − 16
a case, compress the specimen approximately 3 % more than TABLE 1 Precision Data
the deformation specified. Substitute the specified deformation Materials Average, psi Sr A SR B rC RD
wherever “10 % deformation” is cited in Sections 9 and 10. A 13.6307 1.1491 1.6078 3.2174 4.5019
B 31.3183 1.0944 1.1213 3.0642 3.1398
C 10.3981 0.9796 1.0764 2.7430 3.0141
9. Calculation A
Sr = within-laboratory standard deviation for the indicated material. It is obtained
9.1 Using a straightedge or through the use of computer by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the test results from all of
software, carefully extend to the zero load line the steepest the participating laboratories.
B
SR = between-laboratories reproducibility, expressed as standard deviation.
straight portion of the load-deflection curve examining only the C
r = within-laboratory critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × Sr.
lower portion of the load-deflection curve. This establishes the D
R = between-laboratories critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × SR.
“zero deformation” or “zero strain” point (Point O in Fig. 1a
and Fig. 1b). Measure all distances for deformation or strain
calculations from this point. 10.1.2 Number of specimens tested if different from that
specified in 6.4.
9.2 Measure from Point O along the zero-load line a 10.1.3 Conditioning procedure used if different from that
distance representing 10 % specimen deformation. At that specified in Section 7.
point (Point M in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b), draw a vertical line 10.1.4 Atmospheric conditions in test room if different from
intersecting the load-deflection or load-strain curve at Point P. those specified in Section 7.
9.2.1 If there is no yield point before Point P (as in Fig. 1b), 10.1.5 Values for each specimen, plus averages and standard
read the load at Point P. deviations, of modulus (if requested) and compressive strength.
9.2.2 If there is a yield point before Point P (as Point L in 10.1.6 Deformation at maximum load to two significant
Fig. 1), read the load and measure the percent core deformation figures.
or strain (Distance O-R) at the yield point. 10.1.7 Date of test.
9.2.3 Calculate the compressive strength by dividing the
load (9.2.1 or 9.2.2) by the initial horizontal cross-sectional 11. Precision and Bias
area of the specimen. 11.1 Table 1 is based on a round robin4 conducted in 1998
9.3 If compressive modulus is requested, choose any con- in accordance with Practice E691, involving three materials
venient point (such as Point S in Fig. 1b) along the steepest tested by seven laboratories. For each material, all of the
straight line portion of the load-deflection or load-strain curve. samples were prepared at one source, but the individual

O-T) at that point. http://qstandard.org/

Read the load and measure the deformation or strain (Distance

9.3.1 Calculate the apparent modulus as follows:

specimens were prepared at the laboratories that tested them.
Each test result was the average of seven individual determi-
nations. Each laboratory obtained six test results for each
E c 5 WH/AD (1) material. Precision, characterized by repeatability (Sr and r)
and reproducibility (SR and R) has been determined as shown
where: in Table 1. (Warning—The explanation of r and R are only
Ec = modulus of elasticity in compression, Pa (psi), intended to present a meaningful way of considering the
W = load, N (lbf), approximate precision of this test method. The data in Table 1
H = initial specimen height, m (in.), should not be applied to acceptance or rejection of materials, as
A = initial horizontal cross-sectional area, m2 (in.2), and these data apply only to the materials tested in the round robin
D = deformation, m (in.). and are unlikely to be rigorously representative of other lots,
9.3.2 Calculate the estimated standard deviation as follows: formulations, conditions, materials, or laboratories. Users of
this test method should apply the principles outlined in Practice
s5 =~ ( x 2
2 nX̄ 2
! /~n 2 1! (2) E691 to generate data specific to their materials and labora-
tory.)
where:
s = estimated standard deviation, NOTE 3—The precision data presented in Table 1 was obtained using
x = value of a single observation, the test conditions defined in this test method. If a material specification
defines other test conditions, this precision data shall not be assumed to
n = number of observations, and apply.
X̄ = arithmetic mean of the set of observations.
12. Keywords
10. Report 12.1 cellular plastics; compressive modulus; compressive
10.1 Report the following information: strength
10.1.1 Complete identification of the material tested, includ-
ing type, source, code numbers, form, principal dimensions, 4
Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:D20-
previous history, and so forth. 1201.

4
 D1621 − 16
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D1621 - 10)
that may impact the use of this standard. (May 1, 2016)

(1) Revised 8.3.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

http://qstandard.org/

5
 Designation: D2842 − 12
Standard Test Method for
Water Absorption of Rigid Cellular Plastics1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2842; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water
absorption of rigid cellular plastics by measuring the change in
buoyant force resulting from immersion under a 5.1-cm (2-in.)
head of water for the specified immersion period of 96 h.
1.2 This test method describes two procedures that shall be
used to measure the change in buoyant force. Procedure A shall
be used for materials that either experience rapid water
absorption or that show an increase in volume during the
exposure period, or both. Materials that do not exhibit either of
these characteristics shall be evaluated by Procedure B.
1.3 For specific applications, immersion periods varying
from the normal 96-h test requirement shall be agreed upon
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between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—This test method is equivalent to ISO 2896.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
E96 Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materi-
als
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.22 on Cellular Materials -
Plastics and Elastomers.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2012. Published November 2012. Originally
approved in 1969. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D2842 - 06. DOI:
10.1520/D2842-12.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 2896 Cellular Plastics, Rigid—Determination of Water
Absorption3
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—There are no terms in this test method that
are new or other than dictionary definitions.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The buoyant force of an object less dense than water is
equal to the weight of water it displaces when submerged, less
the dry weight of the object. Water absorbed into the object
lowers the buoyant force by increasing the weight of the
sample. By knowing the volume and initial dry weight of the
sample, the initial buoyant force can be calculated or the initial
buoyant force can be determined by direct measurement. The
final buoyant force at the end of the immersion period is
measured with an underwater weighing assembly. The differ-
ence between the initial and final buoyant force is the weight of
the water absorbed per unit of specimen volume.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The purpose of this test method is to provide a means for
comparing relative water absorption tendencies between dif-
ferent cellular plastics. It is intended for use in specifications,
product evaluation, and quality control. It is applicable to
specific end-use design requirements only to the extent that the
end-use conditions are similar to the immersion period (nor-
mally 96 h) and 5.1-cm (2-in.) head requirements of the test
method.
NOTE 2—Studies by ASTM Subcommittee D20.22 show that some
cellular plastics, particularly those with open cells or natural interstices,
continue to absorb additional significant amounts of water beyond the
96-h immersion period. It was also found that water absorption of some
cellular plastics is significantly higher when exposed to a greater pressure
head, as might be encountered in certain underwater installations.
5.2 This test method provides a means for measuring
absorption as a result of direct contact exposure to free water.
Results by this test method cannot be used to compare the
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
 D2842 − 12
resistance of cellular plastics to water vapor transmission and
subsequent condensation within the cells. To determine resis-
tance to water vapor transmission, see Test Methods E96.
5.3 Water absorption testing is subject to several important
variables, which if not considered, prohibit sufficient agree-
ment among testing laboratories. Development of this test
method has taken into account the most serious of the possible
sources of error.
NOTE 3—In some methods, an error is encountered due to a rapid
absorption of water before an accurate initial weight can be obtained. This
test method accounts for that potential error by providing Procedure A for
use with materials that behave in this manner. In this procedure the only
submerged measurement required is a final weighing taken after the 96-h
immersion period.
NOTE 4—The increase in volume that occurs with some foams when
immersed is accounted for in Procedure A. This procedure shall be used
for materials that exhibit this type of behavior. This is accounted for by
basing all buoyant force calculations on the volume of the wet specimen
at the conclusion of the immersion period.
NOTE 5—The problem of air bubbles clinging to the submerged
specimen and affecting the end result is minimized by specifying
deaerated distilled water.
NOTE 6—Surface cells opened during specimen preparation result in an
error when calculating the apparent volume of the test specimen. The
degree of this error is a function of cell size. This test method accounts for
this error in that all calculations are based on the true specimen volume.
The true specimen volume is determined in Procedure A as the measured
volume minus the volume of surface cells opened by cutting. This
correction is not required in Procedure B since the true specimen volume
is determined by direct measurement.
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5.4 The volume error associated with surface cells opened
during specimen preparation decreases as the cell size de-
creases. This test method provides the option to ignore this
variable with cellular plastics that have an average cell
diameter of 0.03 cm or less. For cellular plastics having greater
than 0.03-cm average cell diameter and in all cases of dispute,
measurement of cell size shall be mandatory in determining the
specimen volume.
5.5 For most materials the size of the test specimens is small
compared with the size of the products actually installed in the
field. If the surface-to-volume ratios for the test specimens and
the corresponding products are different, it is possible that the
test results are misleading.
5.6 In most cases water retention is a secondary perfor-
mance characteristic that has an influence on a primary
characteristic, such as thermal performance, surface accumu-
lation of moisture, localized collection of electrolytes, dimen-
sional stability, etc.
5.7 Before proceeding with this test method, reference shall
be made to the specification of the material being tested. Any
test specimen preparation, conditioning, dimensions, or testing
parameters covered in the materials specification, or both, shall
take precedence over those mentioned in this test method. If
there are no material specifications, then the default conditions
in this standard shall apply.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Balance—A balance capable of weighing up to 2500 g
with a sensitivity of 0.01 g. Balance must have a provision for
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attaching the wire sling below the balance platform for making
submerged weighings.
6.2 Underwater Weighing Jig, constructed so that specimen
floats against jig ceiling with 15.2 by 15.2-cm (6 by 6-in.)
specimen face in the horizontal position. The jig shall trap no
air when submerged. The approximate dry weight is to be 2500
g. Fig. 1 shows two recommended styles of jig construction.
6.3 Immersion Tank—An open-top tank or aquarium of
sufficient size to accommodate at least three specimens with
the top 15.2 by 15.2-cm (6 by 6-in.) faces in the horizontal
position and additional space for the weighing jig. (A 75.8-dm
(20-gal) glass aquarium, 76.2 by 33.0 by 30.4 cm (30 by 13 by
12 in.) high is of sufficient size for testing up to six specimens.)
6.4 Balance Platform—A mounting platform to be placed
across the top of the immersion tank to support the balance. A
hole in the platform must be provided at an appropriate
location to accommodate wire sling from balance to jig.
6.5 Conditioning Oven—Forced-air circulating oven ca-
pable of maintaining 50 6 3°C (122 6 5°F) for 24 h.
6.6 Desiccator, containing desiccant with high affinity for
water vapor (anhydrous calcium chloride or equivalent) for
maintaining dryness of test specimens upon removal from
conditioning oven.
6.7 Vernier Calipers or Dial Micrometer—Measuring de-
vice capable of measuring specimen to nearest 0.002 cm (0.001
in.). Fig. 2 shows a recommended measuring device.
6.8 Cell-Size Specimen Slicer—Cutting blade apparatus ca-
pable of slicing thin specimens (0.01 to 0.04 cm) for cell size
viewing. Fig. 3 shows an acceptable alternative slicing appa-
ratus.
6.9 Cell-Size Projector—Conventional 35-mm slide projec-
tor that accepts standard 5.1 by 5.1-cm (2 by 2-in.) slides. See
Note 7.
6.10 Cell-Size Scale Slide Assembly, consisting of two
pieces of slide glass hinged by tape along one edge, between
which a calibrated scale (3.0 mm in length) printed on a thin
plastic sheet is placed. See Fig. 4.
NOTE 7—Microscopic or digital imaging techniques for measuring
cell-sizes can be suitable replacements for the technique described in this
standard.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Distilled Water—Sufficient amount of freshly distilled
water to maintain a 5.08-cm (2-in.) head over specimens and
jig at all times.
7.2 Gas Barrier Film—Layer of low permeance
(polyethylene, saran, or equivalent) plastic film covering sur-
face of water to retard air pick up by deaerated water.
8. Test Specimens
8.1 Three test specimens shall be tested from each sample.
8.2 Test Specimen Size:
8.2.1 The recommended test specimen size shall be 15 cm
(6 in.) in width by 15 cm in length by 7.5 cm (3 in.) in
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FIG. 1 Underwater Weighing Jigs

thickness for any material which can be cut to this size from
larger stock without substantially changing its original charac-
ter.
8.2.2 Test specimen size shall be 15 cm (6 in.) in width by
15 cm in length by the actual thicknesses for materials having
less than 7.5 cm (3 in.) overall thickness. This is intended for
materials normally produced and sold with natural or laminated
skin surfaces and for other materials in which the sample stock
available for testing is less than 7.5 cm in thickness.
8.2.3 For materials produced and sold with natural or
laminated skin surfaces having an overall thickness greater
than 7.5 cm (3 in.), the test specimen thickness shall be the
actual thickness with the length and width dimensions in-
creased to no less than two times the thickness dimension. To

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FIG. 2 Dual-Dial Micrometer Measuring Device

accommodate these larger specimens, the test equipment speci- 9. Conditioning

fied previously must be modified accordingly.
9.1 Unless specified by the contract or relevant material
8.3 Test specimens shall be machined or sawed from the specification, after cutting specimens, condition them in a
sample so they have smooth surfaces. All machined or sawed forced-air circulating oven for 24 h or more at 50 6 3°C (122
surfaces shall be further smoothed by slicing techniques or 6 5°F).
sanding with No. 0 or finer sandpaper. Resulting dust shall be
removed from the specimen.

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FIG. 3 Razor Blade Cell-Size Specimen Slicer

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FIG. 4 Cell-Size Scale Slide Assembly

9.2 Allow specimens to cool to room temperature in a
desiccator and then weigh to the nearest 0.01 g.
9.3 Return specimens to conditioning oven for 4 additional
hours at 50 6 3°C (122 6 5°F), cool in desiccator, and weigh
to the nearest 0.1 g. Repeat 4-h conditioning intervals until
specimens reach constant weight as indicated by less than 0.1-g
weight change between successive weighings.
9.4 Record final dry weight of each specimen to nearest 0.01
g (W1).

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 D2842 − 12
10. Procedure
10.1 Procedure A:
10.1.1 Place underwater weighing jig in immersion tank.
10.1.2 Immerse specimens by suitable weighted rack in
open-top immersion tank filled with freshly distilled water at
23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). Adjust the water level to maintain a
5.1-cm (2-in.) head of water over the top of specimens with
15.2 by 15.2-cm (6 by 6-in.) faces in the horizontal position.
10.1.3 Remove obvious air bubbles clinging to the speci-
men with a soft-bristle brush.
10.1.4 Cover entire surface of water with low-permeance
plastic film.
10.1.5 Leave specimens immersed for 96 h while maintain-
ing 5.1-cm (2-in.) head of water at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F).
10.1.6 At the end of 96-h immersion time, assemble balance
platform and balance on the top of the tank, remove the plastic
film from water, and zero balance.
10.1.7 Attach the underwater weighing jig to the balance
with wire sling such that the top horizontal surface of the jig is
5.1 cm (2 in.) below the surface of the water. Be sure that the
submerged jig is free of trapped air bubbles.
10.1.8 Weigh the empty submerged jig to the nearest 0.01 g
(W2).
10.1.9 Insert the test specimen into submerged underwater
weighing jig without removing the specimen from the water.
Weigh to the nearest 0.1 g (W3). Do not remove any specimens
from the water until all have been weighed, as removing the
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specimens reduces the 5.1-cm (2-in.) head.
10.1.10 Remove specimens from water and immediately
measure the specimen dimensions (length, width, and thick-
ness) to the nearest 0.002 cm (0.001 in.). For convenience,
remove the surface water from the specimen with a towel
before measuring.
10.1.11 In accordance with the provisions of 4.4, the fol-
lowing procedure (10.1.12 – 10.1.15) can be omitted for
cellular plastics that have an average cell diameter of 0.03 cm
or less. An average cell diameter of 0.03 cm is equivalent to a
0.018-cm average chord length, t, as measured in 10.1.15. In
this case V1 = V2 in the calculation.
10.1.12 Prepare the cell size viewing specimen by cutting a
thin slice (0.01 to 0.04 cm) from one of the cut surfaces of the
specimen (Note 9). Slice thickness shall be as thin as practical
so that shadowgraph will not be occluded by overlapping cell
walls. Optimum slice thickness will vary with the average cell
size of the foam with larger cell foams requiring thicker slices.
NOTE 8—One cell-size measurement will provide a representative
average cell size for cellular plastics having symmetric cells of relatively
uniform size. However, cellular plastics known to be significantly aniso-
tropic will require measurement of cell size in three normal directions for
maximum accuracy. An acceptable procedure, in this case, is to take
cell-size slices from two perpendicular planes of the test specimen. The
size of the cells in the three normal directions can then be measured to
fully represent the cell.
10.1.13 Insert the thin-sliced foam specimen into the cell-
size slide sandwich. Reassemble the slide.
10.1.14 Insert the slide assembly into the projector. Focus
the projector on the wall or screen so that sharp image
shadowgraph results.
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10.1.15 Determine the average cell chord length, t, from the
projected shadowgraph. First count the number of cells (or cell
walls) which intersect the 3.0-cm straight line projected with
the specimen. Then divide the length of the line (3.0 cm) by the
number of cells counted to obtain the average chord length, t.
10.2 Procedure B:
10.2.1 Place the underwater weighing jig in the immersion
tank.
10.2.2 Immerse specimens by suitable weighted rack in the
open-top immersion tank filled with freshly distilled water at
23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). Adjust the water level to maintain a
5.1-cm (2-in.) head of water over the top of the specimens with
15.2 by 15.2-cm (6 by 6-in.) faces in the horizontal position.
10.2.3 Remove obvious air bubbles clinging to the speci-
men with a soft-bristle brush.
10.2.4 Assemble the balance on top of the tank, and zero the
balance.
10.2.5 Attach the underwater weighing jig to the balance
with a wire sling such that the top horizontal surface of the jig
is 5.1 cm (2 in.) below the surface of the water. Be sure the
submerged jig is free of trapped air bubbles.
10.2.6 Weigh the empty submerged jig to the nearest 0.1 g
(W2i ).
10.2.7 Insert the test specimen into the submerged under-
water weighing jig without removing the specimen from the
water. Weigh to the nearest 0.01 g (W3i ).
10.2.8 Repeat 10.2.7 until W3 has been measured on all
specimens.
10.2.9 Cover the entire surface of the water with a low
permeance plastic film.
10.2.10 Leave specimens immersed for the agreed upon
immersion period (96 h is standard) while maintaining a
5.1-cm (2-in.) head of water at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F).
10.2.11 At the end of the immersion period, remove the
plastic film from the water, and zero the balance.
10.2.12 Verify that the top horizontal surface of the jig is 5.1
cm (2 in.) below the surface of the water. Be sure the
submerged jig is free of trapped air bubbles.
10.2.13 Weigh the empty submerged jig to the nearest 0.1 g
(W2f).
10.2.14 Insert the test specimen into the submerged under-
water weighing jig without removing the specimen from the
water. Weigh to the nearest 0.1 g (W3f).
11. Calculation
11.1 Calculation for Procedure A:
11.1.1 See appendix for derivation of open-celled surface
volume from measured cell size.
11.1.2 Definitions of symbols:
A = specimen total surface area, cm2,
h = specimen height (or thickness), cm,
l = specimen length, cm,
w = specimen width, cm,
t = average chord length of surface cells, cm,
V1 = apparent specimen volume, cm3,
V2 = true specimen volume, cm3,
W1 = dry weight of specimen, g,
W2 = weight of empty submerged jig, g, and
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FIG. 5 Surface Cell Volume for Standard-Size Specimen

W3 = submerged weight of jig and specimen after immer-
sion period, g.
11.1.3 Calculate apparent specimen volume (V1) from mea-
sured specimen dimensions as follows:
V 1 5 lwh (1)
11.1.4 Calculate surface area, A, as follows:
A 5 2 ~ l·w ! 12 ~ l·h ! 12 ~ w·h ! (2)
11.1.5 Determine true specimen volume (V2) as follows (see
Note 9):
V 2 5 V 1 2 @ A 3 ~ t/1.14! # (3)
NOTE 9—Fig. 5 shows the volume of surface cells [A × (t/1.14)] as a
function of the average cell chord length, t, for nominal 15 by 15 by
7.5-cm (6.0 by 6.0 by 3.0-in.) test specimen.
11.1.6 Calculate water absorption as volume percent as
follows (see Note 10):

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TABLE 1 Procedure A
NOTE 1—Values expressed in units of volume %.
Material Thickness Average Sr A SR B rC RD
Polyisocyanurate 3 in. 2.06 0.138 0.49 0.39 1.36
A
Sr = within-laboratory standard deviation for the indicated material. It is obtained by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the test results from all of the
participating laboratories:
S r 5 ff s S 1 d 2 1 s S 2 d 2 { s S n d 2 g /n g ½ (9)
B
SR = between-laboratories reproducibility, expressed as standard deviation:
C
r = within-laboratory critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × Sr.
D
R = between-laboratories critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × SR .

Water absorbed by volume, % 5 @ ~~ W 3 1V 2 3 1 g/cm3 !
2 ~ W 1 1W 2 ! ! / V 2 3 1 cm3 /g 3 X 100
NOTE 10—In certain applications it is desirable to report the results in
terms of “water absorbed per unit of surface area.” Calculations are as
follows:
g water/cm2 @ ~ W 3 1V 2 3 1 g/cm3 ! 2 ~ W 1 1W 2 ! # /A
or
lb water/ft2 5 @ ~~ W 3 1V 2 3 1 g/cm3 ! 2 ~ W 1 1W 2 !! /A #
3 @ ~ 2.048 lb/ft2 ! / ~ g/cm2 ! #
Caution is necessary in extrapolating “water per surface area” results
for design use. The validity of this extrapolation will depend on the
mechanism through which water is absorbed for the particular species of
cellular plastic being considered. For example, water absorption of some
types of molded cellular plastics have been found to depend primarily on
the volume rather than exposed surface area.
(4) conducted in 1996 in accordance with Practice E691, involving
two materials tested by seven laboratories. For each material,
all the samples were prepared at one source, but the individual
specimens were prepared at the laboratories which tested them.
Each test result was the average of three individual determi-
nations. Each laboratory obtained one test result for each
(5) material. (Warning—The explanations of r and R (13.2 –
13.2.3) are only intended to present a meaningful way of
(6) considering the approximate precision of this test method. The
data in Table 1 and Table 2 shall not be applied to the
acceptance or rejection of materials, as these data apply only to
the materials tested in the round robin and are unlikely to be
rigorously representative of other lots, formulations,
conditions, materials, or laboratories. Users of this test method
shall apply the principles outlined in Practice E691 to generate
specific to their materials and laboratory (or between specific

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11.2 Calculation for Procedure B: laboratories). The principles of 13.2 – 13.2.3 would be valid for
11.2.1 Definitions of Symbols: such data.)
V2 = true specimen volume, cm3, 13.2 Concept of r and R in Table 1 and Table 2—If Sr and
W1 = dry weight of specimen, g, SR have been calculated from a large enough body of data, and
W2i = initial weight of empty submerged jig, g, for test results that were averages from testing three specimens
W3i = initial submerged weight of jig and specimen, for each test result, then:
W2f = final weight of empty submerged jig, g, and
13.2.1 Repeatability—Two test results obtained within one
W3f = submerged weight of jig and specimen after immer-
laboratory shall be judged not equivalent if they differ by more
sion period, g.
than the r value for that material. r is the interval representing
11.2.2 Calculate the true specimen volume V2 as follows: the critical difference between two test results for the same
V 2 5 W 2i 2 W 3i 1W 1 (7) material, obtained by the same operator using the same
equipment on the same day in the same laboratory.
11.2.3 Calculate water absorption as volume percent as
13.2.2 Reproducibility—Two test results obtained by differ-
follows:
ent laboratories shall be judged not equivalent if they differ by
@ ~~ W 2i 2 W 3i ! 2 ~ W 2f 2 W 3f !! /V 2 # 3 100 % (8) more than the R value for that material. R is the interval
12. Report representing the critical difference between two test results for
the same material, obtained by different operators using differ-
12.1 Report in volume percent the average water absorption ent equipment in different laboratories.
of the three specimens tested. 13.2.3 Any judgment in accordance with 13.2.1 or 13.2.2
12.2 Report the immersion period if longer than the normal would have an approximate 95 % (0.95) probability of being
96 h. correct.
13. Precision and Bias4 13.3 There are no recognized standards for which to esti-
13.1 Table 1 and Table 2 are based on a round robin mate bias of this test method.

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14. Keywords
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D20-1190. 14.1 rigid cellular plastics; water absorption

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TABLE 2 Procedure B
NOTE 1—Values expressed in units of volume %.
Material Thickness Average SrA SRB rC RD
Extruded Polystyrene 3 in. 0.17 0.042 0.08 0.12 0.23
A
Sr = within-laboratory standard deviation for the indicated material. It is obtained by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the test results from all of the
participating laboratories:
S r 5 ff s S 1 d 2 1 s S 2 d 2 { s S n d 2 g /n g ½ (10)
B
SR = between-laboratories reproducibility, expressed as standard deviation:
C
r = within-laboratory critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × Sr .
D
R = between-laboratories critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × SR .

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. DERIVATION OF SURFACE CELL VOLUME AS A FUNCTION OF CELL SIZE

X1.1 Assumptions made in this derivation are that the cell d 5 d'/0.785 (X1.5)
shape is spherical and that the cells are relatively uniform with Combining Eq X1.4 and X1.5 yields:
respect to size. d 5 t/ ~ 0.785! 2 5 t/0.616 (X1.6)
The surface cell volume, Vs, is related to t by recognizing
X1.2 Paragraph 10.1.15 of this test method describes the that the average randomly truncated cell is a hemisphere with
procedure for determining t, the average measured chord diameter of d.
length of the randomly truncated cells. The relationship be-
tween t and the average cell diameter d', appearing at the plane V s 5 N·V h 5 N· ~ πd 3 /12! (X1.7)
of the cut surface shall be calculated as follows: where:

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The mean-value of the ordinates in the first quadrant for any

r
N
Vh
= number of cut cells exposed to the surface, and
= volume of a hemisphere of diameter d.
Combination of Eq X1.6 and X1.7 yields:
ȳ 5 ~ 1/r ! * =r
0
2
2 x2 dx 5 πr/4 (X1.1)
V s 5 N· ~ π/12!~ t/0.616! 3 (X1.8)
In the specific case at hand, r is the radius of the cell in the Total surface area A is equal to the product of the number of
surface plane and ȳ = t/2 Therefore: surface cells N and the average area occupied by each cell Ac,
t/2 5 πr/4 (X1.2) or:
Since r = d'/2, A 5 N·A c 5 N· ~ π ~ d' ! 2 /4 ! (X1.9)
t 5 πd'/4 (X1.3) The total surface area is expressed in terms of t by
Rearrangement of Eq X1.3 yields: substitution of Eq X1.4 into Eq X1.9.
d' 5 t/0.785 (X1.4) A 5 N· ~ π/4 !~ t/0.785! 2 (X1.10)
The average cell diameter of the circular segments, d', is The final expression for surface cell volume in terms of A
related to the diameter of the sphere, d, in the same manner. and t results from combination of Eq X1.8 and X1.10 and
The average sphere diameter is larger than the average circular simplifying as follows:
segment diameter, d ', because the cells are randomly truncated V s 5 ~ A·t ! /1.14 (X1.11)
with respect to depth at the plane of the specimen surface. The Total surface area, A, and the average measured chord
mean-value of chord with respect to diameter Eq X1.3 again length, t, are obtained by actual physical measurement as
applies. described respectively in 10.4 and 9.15 of this test method.

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SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D2842 - 06)
that may impact the use of this standard. (October 1, 2012)

(1) Removal of permissive language. (3) Changed or added tolerances to many of the measurements
(2) Added Note 7 regarding the use of microscopic and digital and test conditions.
imaging techniques. (4) Made many grammatical corrections.

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D2842 - 01)
that may impact the use of this standard. (November 1, 2006)

(1) Revised the ISO equivalency statement (see Note 1). (3) Removed footnotes for equipment that is no longer avail-
(2) Revised permissive language to mandatory. able.

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10
 Designation: D2863 − 13

Standard Test Method for

Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support
Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2863; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope*
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes a procedure
for measuring the minimum concentration of oxygen, ex-
pressed as percent volume, that will just support flaming
combustion in a flowing mixture of oxygen and nitrogen.
1.2 This test method provides three testing procedures.
Procedure A involves top surface ignition, Procedure B in-
volves propagating ignition, and Procedure C is a short
procedure involving the comparison with a specified minimum
value of the oxygen index.
1.3 Test specimens used for this test method are prepared
into one of six types of specimens (see Table 1).
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards
statement are given in Section 10.
1.10 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
conducting these tests.
NOTE 2—This test method and ISO 4589-2 are technically equivalent
when using the gas measurement and control device described in 6.3.1,
with direct oxygen concentration measurement.
2. Referenced Documents

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1.4 This test method provides for testing materials that are 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
structurally self-supporting in the form of vertical bars or sheet D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
up to 10.5-mm thick. Such materials are solid, laminated or D1071 Test Methods for Volumetric Measurement of Gas-
cellular materials characterized by an apparent density greater eous Fuel Samples
than 15 kg/m3. D1622 Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid Cellular
1.5 This test method also provides for testing flexible sheet Plastics
or film materials, while supported vertically. D4802 Specification for Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Acrylic
1.6 This test method is also suitable, in some cases, for Plastic Sheet
cellular materials having an apparent density of less than 15 E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
kg/m3. E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
NOTE 1—Although this test method has been found applicable for Determine the Precision of a Test Method
testing some other materials, the precision of the test method has not been 2.2 ISO Standards:3
determined for these materials, or for specimen geometries and test
conditions outside those recommended herein. ISO 4589-2 Plastics—Determination of Flammability by
Oxygen Index—Part 2, Ambient Temperatures
1.7 This test method measures and describes the response of ISO 7823-1 Poly(Methylmethacrylate) Sheets—Types, Di-
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under mensions and Characteristics—Part 1—Cast Sheets
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. 3. Terminology
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 3.1 Definitions
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2013. Published September 2013. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D2863 - 12ε1. DOI: 3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/D2863-13. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D2863 − 13
TABLE 1 Test Specimen Dimensions TABLE 2 Criteria for Oxygen Index MeasurementsA
Test Dimensions Alternative Criteria
Specimen Material Form Period of
Length, Width, Thickness, Test Specimen
TypeA Ignition Procedure Burning
mm mm mm Type (See Table 1) Extent of BurningB
After
I 80 to 150 10 ± 0.5 4 ± 0.25 for molding materials Ignition(s)
II 80 to 150 10 ± 0.5 10 ± 0.5 for cellular materials I, II, III, IV, and VI A 180 50 mm below the top
IIIB 80 to 150 10 ± 0.5 # 10.5 for sheet materials (top surface ignition) of the specimen
IVC 70 to 150 6.5 ± 0.5 3 ± 0.25 alternative size for I, II, III, IV, and VI B 180 50 mm below the
self-supporting molding (propagating ignition) upper reference
or sheet materials mark
VB 140 ± 5 52 ± 0.5 #10.5 for flexible film or sheet V propagating ignition 180 80 mm below the
VIBD 140 to 200 20 0.02 to for thin film; limited to film upper reference
0.10 that can be rolled by the mark (on the frame)
wire specified in 6.7 A
These criteria do not necessarily produce equivalent oxygen index results for
A
Test specimens of Types I, II, III, and IV are suitable for materials that are specimens of differing shape or tested using different ignition conditions or
self-supporting at these dimensions. Test specimens of Form V and VI are suitable procedures.
for materials that require support during testing. Test specimens of Form VI are B
The extent of burning is exceeded when any part of the visibly burning portion of
suitable for film materials that can be rolled into a self-supporting specimen by the a specimen, including burning drips descending the vertical faces, passes the level
procedure in 7.4. indicated in the column.
B
Compare results obtained using Type III, V, and VI test specimens only to those
obtained using specimens of the same form and thickness. It is assumed that the
amount of variation in thickness for such materials will be controlled by other
standards. 4. Summary of Test Method
C
The Type IV (ASTM) specimen will eventually be discontinued in favor of the
Type 1 (ISO) specimen.
D
4.1 A small test specimen is supported vertically in a
The test specimen of Type VI is suitable for thin film that is self-supporting when
it is rolled (see 7.4). Dimensions in the table are of the specimen size from which
mixture of oxygen and nitrogen flowing upwards through a
the rolled form is made. If the film is very thin, it is possible that proper results will transparent chimney. The upper end of the specimen is ignited
only be obtained if two or more layers are combined in the preparation of the roll and the subsequent burning behavior of the specimen is
to obtain proper results.
observed to compare the period for which burning continues,
or the length of specimen burnt, with specified limits for each
burning. By testing a series of specimens in different oxygen
concentrations, the minimum oxygen concentration is deter-
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method refer mined.

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to the terminology contained in Terminology E176 and ISO
13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given in Terminology
E176 shall prevail.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 ignition—the initiation of combustion.
3.2.2 oxygen index (OI)—the minimum concentration of
oxygen determined by the method in 12.1, expressed as volume
percent, in a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that will just
support flaming combustion of a material initially at 23 6 2°C
under the conditions of this test method.
3.3 Symbols Specific To This Test Method:
3.3.1 Co—oxygen concentration in percent volume.
3.3.2 CF—final value of oxygen concentration in percent
volume.
3.3.3 Ci—each of the oxygen concentration percentages
used during measurement of the last six responses in the NT
series.
3.3.4 O—neither the period or extent of burning exceeds the
relevant limit specified in Table 2.
3.3.5 X—the period or extent of burning exceeds the rel-
evant limit specified in Table 2.
3.3.6 NL—series of “X” or “O” results.
3.3.7 NT—series of “X” or “O” results plus five (NT
= NL + 5).
3.3.8 σ*—standard deviation of the oxygen concentration.
3.3.9 d—interval between oxygen concentration levels in
percent volume.
3.3.10 k—a factor to be determined from Table 3.
3.3.11 n—number of measurements of oxygen concentra-
tion.
4.2 Three procedures are included in this test method. In
Procedure A, a complete assessment of the oxygen index is
conducted using top surface ignition. In Procedure B, a
complete assessment of the oxygen index is conducted using
propagating ignition. Procedure C provides a comparison with
a specified minimum value of oxygen index and can be
conducted using top surface ignition or propagating ignition.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides for the measuring of the
minimum concentration of oxygen in a flowing mixture of
oxygen and nitrogen that will just support flaming combustion
of plastics. Correlation with burning characteristics under
actual use conditions is not implied.
5.2 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to one
or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different
test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are
changed, it is not always possible by or from this test to predict
changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured.
Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test-exposure
conditions described in this test method.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Chimney. The test chimney consists of a heat-
resistant glass tube of 75 to 100-mm inside diameter and 450
to 500-mm height. The opening at the top of the chimney shall
be restricted to provide an outlet of 40 6 2-mm diameter, either
by providing an overhead cap or by designing the glass
chimney appropriately. The bottom of the chimney, or the base
to which the tube is attached, shall contain noncombustible

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 D2863 − 13
TABLE 3 Determination of k
1 2 3 4 5 6
Responses for the Last Five Values of k for which the first NL determinations are: Responses for the Last Five
Measurements (a) O OO OOO OOOO MeasurementsA
XOOOO −0.55 −0.55 −0.55 −0.55 OXXXX
XOOOX −1.25 −1.25 −1.25 −1.25 OXXXO
XOOXO 0.37 0.38 0.38 0.38 OXXOX
XOOXX −0.17 −0.14 −0.14 −0.14 OXXOO
XOXOO 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.04 OXOXX
XOXOX −0.50 −0.46 −0.45 −0.45 OXOXO
XOXXO 1.17 1.24 1.25 1.25 OXOOX
XOXXX 0.61 0.73 0.76 0.76 OXOOO
XXOOO −0.30 −0.27 −0.26 −0.26 OOXXX
XXOOX −0.83 −0.76 −0.75 −0.75 OOXXO
XXOXO 0.83 0.94 0.95 0.95 OOXOX
XXOXX 0.30 0.46 0.50 0.50 OOXOO
XXXOO 0.50 0.65 0.68 0.68 OOOXX
XXXOX −0.04 0.19 0.24 0.25 OOOXO
XXXXO 1.60 1.92 2.00 2.01 OOOOX
XXXXX 0.89 1.33 1.47 1.50 OOOOO
A
Values of k for which the first NL determinations are (b) X, XX, XXX, and XXXX are as given in Table 3 opposite he appropriate response in Column 6, but with the sign
of k reversed, that is: OI = CF − kd (see 12.1).

material to evenly mix and distribute the gas mixture entering
at this base. Glass beads 3 to 5 mm in diameter in a bed 80 to
100-mm deep have been found suitable. The chimney shall be
mounted securely on the base to prevent air leaks. One
example of a design is shown in Fig. 1.
NOTE 3—It is helpful to place a wire screen above the noncombustible
6.3.1 The system for gas measurement and control involves
needle valves on individual and mixed gas supply lines, a
paramagnetic oxygen analyzer that continuously samples the
mixed gas, and a flow meter to indicate when the gas flow
through the chimney is within the required limits. See Annex
A4 for an alternate system for gas measurement.

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material to catch falling fragments and to aid in keeping the base of the
column clean.
6.2 Specimen Holders
6.2.1 Specimen Holder for Self-Supporting Specimens—
Any small holding device that will support the specimen at its
base and hold it vertically in the center of the chimney is an
acceptable specimen holder. A typical arrangement (see Fig. 1)
consists of a laboratory thermometer clamp inserted into the
end of a glass tube held in place by glass beads or otherwise
firmly supported.
6.2.2 Specimen Holder for Specimens of Flexible Sheet or
Film Materials that Require Support—A specimen holder for
flexible film or sheet materials that require support shall be able
to support the specimen by both vertical edges in a frame
equivalent to that illustrated by Fig. 2, with reference marks at
20 and 100 mm below the top of the frame. The profile of the
holder and its support shall be smooth to minimize induction of
turbulence in the rising flow of gas.
6.2.3 Thin Film Rolling Tool—In order to prepare self-
supporting specimens from thin films (see 7.4), use a 2 6
0.1-mm stainless steel rod with a 0.3 6 0.05-mm slit at one
end, equivalent to that illustrated in Fig. 3. The actual specimen
holder shall be the one in 6.2.1.
6.3 Gas Measurement and Control Devices. Gas measure-
ment and control devices shall be suitable for measuring the
concentration of oxygen in the gas mixture entering the
chimney with an accuracy of 60.5 %, by volume, of the gas
mixture and for adjusting the concentration of oxygen in the
mixture with a precision of 60.1 %, by volume, of the gas
mixture, when the gas velocity through the chimney is 40 6 2
mm/s at 23 6 2°C.
6.3.2 The system used for gas measurement requires cali-
bration after assembly to ensure that the compounded errors of
the component parts do not exceed the requirements of 6.3.
6.3.3 Means shall be provided for checking or ensuring that
the temperature of the gas mixture entering the chimney is 23
6 2°C. If this involves an internal probe, its position and
profile shall be designed to minimize induction of turbulence
within the chimney.
6.4 Flame Igniter. The flame igniter shall comprise a tube,
with an inside diameter of 2 6 1 mm, that can be inserted into
the chimney to apply the test flame.
6.4.1 The flame fuel shall be methane or natural gas of at
least 97 % purity, without premixed air. The fuel supply shall
be adjusted so that the flame projects 16 6 4 mm vertically
downwards from the outlet when the tube is vertical within the
chimney and the flame is burning within the chimney atmo-
sphere.
6.5 Timing Device. A timing device shall be provided,
which is capable of measuring periods up to 5 min with an
accuracy of 60.5 s.
6.6 Fume Extraction System. A fume extraction system shall
be provided with sufficient ventilation or exhaust to remove
fumes or soot expelled from the chimney without disrupting
the gas-flow rate or temperatures in the chimney.
NOTE 4—If soot-generating materials are being tested, it is likely that
the glass chimney, gas inlets, and inlet screen will require cleaning
between tests to maintain good visibility and to function properly.
6.7 Gas Supplies. The gas supplied to the test apparatus
shall consist of pressurized sources of oxygen or nitrogen, or

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 D2863 − 13

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1. Burning Specimen 6. Glass Beads in a Bed 11. Pressure Gauge

2. Clamp with Rod Support 7. Brass Base 12. Precision Pressure Regulator
3. Igniter 8. Tee 13. Filter
4. Wire Screen 9. Cut-Off Valve 14. Needle Valve
5. Ring Stand 10. Orifice in Holder 15. Rotameter

FIG. 1 Typical Equipment Layout

both, not less than 98 % pure or clean dry air, or both,
(containing 20.9 % oxygen), as appropriate.
6.7.1 The gas mixture entering the chimney shall have a
moisture content of <0.1 %, unless the results have been shown
to be insensitive to higher moisture levels in the gas mixture.
The gas supply system shall incorporate a drying device, or
provision for monitoring or sampling the gas supply for
moisture content, unless the moisture content of the gas
supplies is known to be acceptable.
NOTE 5—It must be noted that bottled oxygen or nitrogen will not
always contain <0.1 % of water; moisture contents of 0.003 to 0.01 % are
typical for commercial supplies as filled bottles >98 % pure, but as such
bottled gases are depressured to below about 1 MPa, the moisture content
of the gas drawn off has been found to rise above 0.1 %.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 General.
7.1.1 The specimens shall be die-punched, cut by hand
using a razor blade or other sharp tool, or cut by an automatic
machine. Alternatively, specimens shall be prepared directly by
injection molding.
7.1.2 Ensure that the surfaces of the specimens are clean and
free from flaws that could affect burning behavior, for example,
peripheral molding flash or burrs from machining. The edges
of the specimens shall be smooth and free from fuzz or burrs
of material left from machining or molding.

4

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FIG. 3 Rod with a Slit
7.1.3 Record the position and orientation of the test speci-
mens with respect to any asymmetry in the sample material
(see Note 6).
D2863 − 13
FIG. 2 Frame Design
NOTE 6—Oxygen index results are likely to be significantly affected by
differences in burning behavior, due to material inhomogeneity (for
example, different levels of shrinkage when heated for specimens cut in
different directions from asymmetrically-oriented thermoplastics film).
7.1.4 The test specimens shall conform to the dimensions
and geometry listed in Table 1. If non-standard size specimens
are used, a difference in oxygen index is likely to result.
7.1.5 It is likely that, for materials where the oxygen index
is known to within 62 % by volume, 15 test specimens will be
sufficient. However, for materials of unknown oxygen index, or
which exhibit erratic burning characteristics, between 15 and
30 test specimens are likely to be required.
7.2 Self-Supporting Specimens (Specimen Types I, II, III,
and IV)
7.2.1 The specimens shall be prepared in accordance with
7.1.
7.3 Specimens of Flexible Sheet or Film Materials that
Require Support (Specimen Type IV)
7.3.1 The specimens shall be prepared in accordance with
7.1 and they shall be supported by both vertical edges in a
frame equivalent to that illustrated by Fig. 2 (see 6.2.2).
7.4 Self-Supporting Specimens Rolled from Thin Films
(Specimen Type VI)
7.4.1 For preparation of Type VI specimens, use the rolling
tool described in 6.2.3.
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 D2863 − 13
7.4.2 Specimen films shall be prepared in accordance with
7.1.
7.4.3 Insert one corner of the film into the slit of the thin
film rolling tool and then wind the film around the rod in a
spiral of 45°, as shown in Fig. 3. Ensure that the 45° angle is
maintained during the winding process so that the film reaches
exactly to the end of the tool, to produce a test piece of the
correct length. After the winding is finished, tape the last end
of the roll while the material is still on the stainless steel rod to
prevent loosening. Then pull the rod out of the rolled film.
7.4.4 Cut off the rolled film at a distance of 20 mm from the
top end. See Fig. 4.
7.5 Specimen Marking
7.5.1 For monitoring the distance over which burning
occurs, mark the specimen with transverse lines at one or more
levels which are dependent upon the specimen form and the
ignition procedure to be used. Structurally self-supporting
specimens are preferably marked on at least two adjacent faces.
If wet inks are used, ensure that the marks are dry before the
specimen is ignited.
7.5.2 If test specimens of Type I, II, III, IV, or VI are to be
tested in accordance with Procedure A, they shall be marked 50
mm from the end to be ignited. If specimens of Type I, II, III,
IV, and VI are to be tested in accordance with Procedure C,
they shall be marked at 10 mm and at 60 mm from the end to
be ignited.
7.5.3 The reference marks for testing specimens of Type V
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are carried by the supporting frame (see Fig. 2), but it is
acceptable to mark thermally stable materials at 20 mm and at
100 mm from the end to be ignited, for convenience.
7.6 For cellular materials, the density shall be determined in
accordance with Test Method D1622.
NOTE 7—It is possible that the oxygen index samples of cellular
materials that contain volatile flammable blowing agents that diffuse from
the sample will change with time.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Unless otherwise specified, each test specimen shall be
conditioned for at least 40 h at 23 6 2°C and 50 6 5 % relative
humidity (RH) immediately prior to use in accordance with
Practice D618.
FIG. 4 Rolled Film
6
8.2 Maintain the ambient conditions for the test apparatus at
23 6 5°C. Keep the test specimens in an enclosure at 23 6 2°C
and 50 6 5 % RH and take the test specimens out of the
enclosure just before testing (so that testing is conducted within
30 minutes of the test specimen removal from the conditioning
environment).
9. Calibration of Apparatus
9.1 Calibrate the system for direct oxygen gas concentration
measurement with a paramagnetic oxygen analyzer, used for
the measurements in 6.3.1, by the following: (a) turning the
nitrogen flow on and closing the oxygen flow and confirming
that the oxygen concentration on the display reads 0.0 %, and
(b) turning the oxygen flow on and closing the nitrogen flow
and confirming that the oxygen concentration on the display
reads the same value as the concentration of oxygen in the
supply gas (see 6.7).
9.2 Calibrate the flow-measuring system used for the indi-
rect measurements of oxygen concentration and flow rate with
the instrumentation in 6.3.2 using a water-sealed rotating drum
meter (wet test meter) in accordance with Test Method D1071
or by equivalent calibration devices. The maximum interval
between recalibration shall be six months.
9.3 A cast PMMA specimen shall be used as a verification
material at least once a month. See Annex A1 for calibration
method.
10. Hazards
10.1 The exhaust system must be so designed and operated
that the laboratory environment is protected from smoke and
gases or vapors. The operator shall be instructed on ways to
minimize exposure to combustion products by following sound
safety and industrial hygiene practices. For example, ensure
that the exhaust system is working properly and wear appro-
priate clothing including gloves, safety glasses, breathing
apparatus (when hazardous fumes are expected).
10.2 During this test, high temperatures are generated that
are capable of igniting some clothing following even brief
exposures. Precautions shall be taken to avoid ignitions of this
type.
11. Test Procedure
NOTE 8—Some materials exhibit a non-flaming type of combustion (for
example, glowing combustion) instead of, or at a lower oxygen concen-
tration than that required for, flaming combustion. When testing such
materials, it is necessary to identify the type of combustion for which the
oxygen index is required or measured.
11.1 Procedure A
11.1.1 Select an initial concentration of oxygen to be used.
Whenever possible, base the initial concentration on experi-
ence of results for similar materials. Alternatively, try to ignite
a test specimen in air, and note the burning behavior. If the
specimen burns rapidly, select an initial concentration of about
18 % oxygen; if the test specimen burns gently or unsteadily,
select an initial oxygen concentration of about 21 %; if the
specimen does not continue to burn in air, select an initial
concentration of at least 25 %, depending upon the difficulty of
ignition or the period of burning before extinguishing in air.
 D2863 − 13
11.1.2 Record the oxygen concentration used as the volume
percent measured by an oxygen paramagnetic analyzer (if
present) or as the volume percent calculated in accordance with
the equations given in Annex A2 (if the system described in
6.3.2 is used).
11.1.3 Ensure that the test chimney is vertical (see Fig. 1).
Verify that the temperature at the lower end of the chimney is
at least 23 6 2°C.
11.1.4 Mount a specimen vertically in the center of the
chimney so that the top of the specimen is at least 100 mm
below the open top of the chimney and the lowest exposed part
of the specimen is at least 100 mm above the top of the gas
distribution device at the base of the chimney (see Fig. 1 or Fig.
2, as appropriate, for guidance).
11.1.5 Set the gas mixing and flow controls so that an
oxygen/nitrogen mixture at 23 6 2°C, containing the desired
concentration of oxygen, is flowing through the chimney at a
rate 40 6 2 mm/s. Let the gas flow purge the chimney for at
least 30 s prior to ignition of each specimen, and maintain the
flow without change during ignition and combustion of each
specimen.
11.1.6 For specimen Types I, II, III, IV, and VI, use top
surface ignition, as described in 11.1.7.
NOTE 9—For tests on materials that exhibit steady burning and spread
of combustion in oxygen concentrations at, or close to, their oxygen index
value, or for structurally self-supporting specimens of ≤3 mm thickness,
Procedure B (with specimens marked in accordance with 7.5.2) will often
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give more consistent results than Procedure A. In such cases, use
Procedure B for specimens of Type I, II, III, IV, or VI.
11.1.7 Top Surface Ignition:
11.1.7.1 For top surface ignition, the igniter is used to
initiate burning only on the top surface of the upper end of the
specimen.
11.1.7.2 Apply the lowest visible part of the flame to the top
of the specimen using a sweeping motion, if necessary, to cover
the whole surface, but taking care not to maintain the flame
against the vertical faces or edges of the specimen. Continue to
apply the flame for up to 30 s, removing it every 5 s, just
briefly, to observe whether or not the entire top surface of the
specimen is burning on its own.
11.1.7.3 Consider the specimen to be ignited once the
specimen is burning on its own.
11.1.7.4 Remove the igniter once the specimen is ignited.
11.1.7.5 Commence measurement of the period and distance
of burning once the specimen is ignited.
11.1.8 Assessing the Burning Behavior of Individual Test
Specimens:
11.1.8.1 Commence measurement of the period of burning
as soon as the specimen has been ignited in accordance with
11.1.7.3, 11.2.3.3 (1), or 11.2.3.4 (1), as applicable, and
observe its burning behavior. If burning ceases, but spontane-
ous re-ignition occurs within 1 s, continue the observation and
measurements. A typical test results sheet is shown in Appen-
dix X1.
11.1.8.2 If neither the period or extent of burning exceeds
the relevant limit specified in Table 2 for the applicable
specimen, note the duration and extent of burning. This is
recorded as an “O” response. (See Appendix X1.)
7
11.1.8.3 Alternatively, if either the period or the extent of
burning exceed the relevant limits specified in Table 2, note the
burning behavior accordingly, and extinguish the flame. This is
recorded as an “X” response. (See Appendix X1.)
11.1.8.4 Note also the burning characteristics of the
material, for example, dripping, charring, erratic burning,
glowing combustion, or after-glow.
11.1.8.5 Extinguish the specimen, if necessary, by allowing
only nitrogen to flow through the chimney.
11.1.8.6 Remove the specimen and clean, as necessary, any
surfaces within the chimney or on the igniter that have become
contaminated, for example with soot.
11.1.8.7 Allow the chimney to regain a temperature of 23 6
2°C, or replace it with another so conditioned.
11.1.8.8 Install the next specimen.
NOTE 10—For screening purposes, it is acceptable to invert sufficiently
long specimens or trim them to remove the burnt end, and re-use them.
Results from such specimens will save material when establishing an
approximate value for the minimum oxygen concentration required for
combustion, but cannot be included among those used for estimation of
the oxygen index, unless the specimen is reconditioned at the temperature
and humidity appropriate for the material involved.
11.1.9 Selecting Successive Oxygen Concentrations:
11.1.9.1 Select the oxygen concentration to be used for
testing the next test specimen as follows:
(1) Decrease the oxygen concentration if the burning be-
havior of the preceding specimen gave an “X” response.
(2) Increase the oxygen concentration if the preceding
specimen gave an “O” response.
(3) Choose the size of the change in oxygen concentration
in accordance with 11.1.10 and 11.1.11, as appropriate. The
procedure described in 11.1.10 and 11.1.11 is based upon the
“up-and-down method for small samples,” using the specific
case where NT – NL = 5 (see 11.1.11.2 and 11.1.11.4), with an
arbitrary step size for certain changes to be made in the oxygen
concentration used.
11.1.10 Determining the Preliminary Oxygen Concentra-
tion:
11.1.10.1 Repeat the procedures specified in 11.1.1 to 11.1.8
inclusive, using oxygen concentration changes of any conve-
nient step size, until two oxygen concentrations, in percent
volume, have been found that differ by ≤1.0 % and of which
one gave an “O” response and the other an “X” response. From
this pair of oxygen concentrations, note that which gave the
“O” response as the preliminary oxygen concentration level
and then proceed in accordance with 11.1.11.
NOTE 11—The two results, at oxygen concentrations ≤1.0 % apart,
which give opposite responses, do not have to be from successive
specimens.
NOTE 12—At times, the concentration that gave the “O” response will
not be lower than that which gave the “X” response. Such apparent
inconsistencies, that are likely to be caused by the variability of the test,
the equipment, or the material, are not uncommon.
11.1.11 Oxygen Concentration Changes:
11.1.11.1 Using, again, the preliminary oxygen concentra-
tion from 11.1.10, test one specimen by repeating 11.1.1 to
11.1.9, inclusive. Record both the oxygen concentration (Co)
used and the response, “X” or “O”, as the first of the NL and
of the NT series of results.
 D2863 − 13
11.1.11.2 Change the oxygen concentration, in accordance
with 11.1.9 using concentration changes (d ) of 0.2 % (see Note
13) of the total gas mixture to test further specimens in
accordance with 11.1.1 to 11.1.10 inclusive, noting the values
of Co and corresponding responses, until a different response to
that obtained in 11.1.11.1 is recorded.
11.1.11.3 The result from 11.1.11.1 plus those of like
response from 11.1.11.2 constitute the NL series of results. (See
example in Appendix X1, Part 2).
NOTE 13—Where experience has shown that the requirements of
11.1.11.6 are usually satisfied by a value of d other than 0.2 %, it is
appropriate to select that value as the initial value of d.
11.1.11.4 Test four more specimens, in accordance with
11.1.1 to 11.1.10 inclusive, maintaining d = 0.2 %, and note the
Co used for, and response of, each specimen. Designate the
oxygen concentration used for the last specimen as CF.
11.1.11.5 These four results together with the last result
from 11.1.11.2 (that is, that which differed in response from
that of 11.1.11.1) constitute the remainder of the NT series, so
that:
N T 5 N L 15
See example in Appendix X1, Part 2.
11.1.11.6 Calculate the oxygen index in accordance with
12.1. Calculate the estimated standard deviation, σ*, of the
oxygen concentration measurements from the last six re-
sponses in the NT series (including CF), in accordance with
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12.3. If the following condition is satisfied:
2σ*
3
,d,1.5σ*
report the oxygen in accordance with Section 13, otherwise
follow the instructions in 11.1.11.6 (1) or (2).
(1) If d < 2σ*/3, repeat 11.1.11.2 through 11.1.11.6 using
increased values for d, until the condition is satisfied, or
(2) If d > 1.5σ*, repeat 11.1.11.2 through 11.1.11.6 using
decreased values for d, until the condition is satisfied, except
that d shall not be reduced below 0.2 % unless so required by
the relevant material specification.
11.2 Procedure B
11.2.1 Follow the instructions in 11.1.1 through 11.1.6.
11.2.2 When using propagating ignition, follow the proce-
dure described in 11.2.3.
11.2.3 Propagating Ignition:
11.2.3.1 For propagating ignition, the igniter is used to
produce burning across the top and partially down the vertical
faces of the specimen.
11.2.3.2 Apply the lowest visible part of the flame to the end
face of the specimen and to its vertical faces to a depth of
approximately 6 mm.
11.2.3.3 For specimen Type V, continue to apply the flame
for up to 30 s, removing it every 5 s, just briefly, to observe
whether or not the vertical surface of the specimen are burning
steadily or whether the visibly burning portion has reached the
upper reference mark on the support frame.
(1) Consider the specimen to be ignited when the visibly
burning portion first reaches the upper reference mark on the
support frame.
8
11.2.3.4 For specimen Types I, II, III, IV, or VI, continue to
apply the flame for up to 30 s, removing it every 5 s, just
briefly, to observe whether or not the vertical surface of the
specimen are burning steadily or whether the visibly burning
portion has reached the upper reference mark on the specimen.
(1) Consider the specimen to be ignited when the visibly
burning portion first reaches the upper reference mark on the
specimen.
11.2.3.5 Remove the igniter once the specimen is ignited.
11.2.3.6 Commence measurement of the period and distance
of burning once the specimen is ignited.
NOTE 14—The burning portion includes any burning drips that run
down the surface of the specimen.
11.2.4 Follow the instructions in 11.1.8 through 11.1.11.
11.3 Procedure C—Comparison with a Specified Minimum
Value for Oxygen Index (Short Procedure)
11.3.1 If the actual oxygen index of a material is needed or
in case of a dispute, Procedures A or B shall be used, as
appropriate.
11.3.2 For Procedure C, set up the apparatus and test
specimen in accordance with 11.1.1 through 11.1.6, except that
the specified minimum concentration of oxygen shall be
selected for the purposes of 11.1.1.
11.3.3 Ignite the test specimen in accordance with 11.1.7 or
with 11.2.3, as appropriate.
11.3.4 Using up to three specimens, assess the burning
behavior of each specimen in accordance with 11.1.8.
11.3.5 If for at least two out of the three specimens thus
tested the flame is extinguished before the relevant criteria
from Table 2 are exceeded, that is, an “O” response is recorded,
then record that the oxygen index of the material is not less
than the specified value. Otherwise, record that the oxygen
index of the material is less than the specified value or
determine the oxygen index in accordance with 11.1 or 11.2, as
appropriate.
12. Calculation
12.1 Oxygen Index:
12.1.1 Calculate the oxygen index (OI), expressed as a
percentage by volume, from the following relationship:
OI 5 C F 1kd
where:
CF = the final value of oxygen concentration, in percent
volume to one decimal place, used in the series of NT
measurements performed in accordance with 11.1.11
and noted in accordance with 11.1.11.4,
d = the interval, in percent volume to at least one decimal
place, between oxygen concentration levels used and
controlled in accordance with 11.1.11, and
k = a factor to be obtained from Table 3 as described in
12.2.
12.1.2 For the purpose of calculation of σ*, as required by
11.1.11.6 and 12.3, the OI shall be calculated to two decimal
places.
12.1.3 For the purpose of reporting OI results, express OI
values to the nearest 60.1 %, with exact intermediate results
being rounded downwards.
 D2863 − 13
12.2 Determination of k:
12.2.1 Table 3 contains values of k for calculating oxygen
index concentration from determinations made by Dixon’s
“Up-and-Down” method. The value and sign of k are depen-
dent upon the pattern of the responses of specimens tested in
accordance with 11.1.11. Determine them from Table 3 as
follows:
12.2.1.1 If the response of the specimen tested according to
11.1.11.1 was “O”, so that the first contrary response (see
11.1.11.2) was an “X”, refer to Column 1 of Table 3 to select
the row for which the last four response symbols correspond to
those found when testing in accordance with 11.1.11.4. The
value and sign of k will be that shown in Column 2, 3, 4, or 5
for which the number of “O”s shown in row (a) of the table
corresponds to the number of “O” responses found for the NL
series, in accordance with 11.1.11.1 and 11.1.11.2, or
12.2.1.2 If the responses of the specimen tested according to
11.1.11.1 was “X”, so that the first contrary response was an
“O”, refer to the sixth column of Table 3 to select the row for
which the last four response symbols correspond to those found
when testing in accordance with 11.1.11.4. The value of k will
be that shown in Column 2, 3, 4, or 5 for which the number of
“X”s shown in row (b) of the table corresponds to the number
of “X” responses found for the NL series, in accordance with
11.1.11.1 and 11.1.11.2 but the sign of k must be reversed, so
that negative values shown in Table 3 for k become positive,
and vice versa.
13.1.4 Identification of the material tested, including, where
relevant, the type of material, density, previous history, the
specimen orientation with respect to any anisotropy in the
material or sample, and the date of manufacture with lot
number;
13.1.5 The oxygen index (OI) as determined in 12.1;
13.1.6 The test specimen type or dimensions;
13.1.7 The gas measurement and control device accuracy
(in accordance with 6.3.1 or with 6.3.2);
13.1.8 The test procedure used (Procedure A, in accordance
with 11.1; Procedure B, in accordance with 11.2; or Procedure
C, in accordance with 11.3);
13.1.9 When Procedure C, in accordance with 11.3 is used,
indicate the relevant specified minimum oxygen index (OI) of
the material and report if the material tested had a lower or
higher oxygen index (OI);
13.1.10 If applicable, the estimated standard deviation and
the oxygen concentration increment used, if other than 0.2 %;
13.1.11 A description of any relevant characteristics or
behavior, such as charring, dripping, severe shrinkage, erratic
burning, after-glow; and
13.1.12 Any variations from the requirements of this test
method.
14. Precision and Bias4
14.1 Table 4 is based on a round robin conducted in 1999 in

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NOTE 15—An example of the determination of the calculation of an OI
is given in Annex A2. TABLE 4 Oxygen Index (OI), %
12.3 Standard Deviation of Oxygen Concentration Mea- Material
Specimen
Procedure Average SrA SRB rC RD
surements: Type
PMMA-1 III A 17.7 0.10 0.23 0.28 0.65
12.3.1 For the purposes of 11.1.11.6 calculate the estimated PMMA-2 III A 17.8 0.13 0.25 0.37 0.70
standard deviation, σ*, of oxygen concentration measurements PVC, plasticized I A 38.4 0.60 2.03 1.67 5.68
ABS, FR I A 26.8 0.58 1.09 1.61 3.07
from the relationship: PF, thermoset I A 49.7 0.36 1.74 1.01 4.87

F G
1 PS, foam II A 20.9 0.44 0.97 1.22 2.71
σ* 5 ( ~C2 OI! 2
i
2
PC, sheet V B 26.1 0.31 1.42 0.88 3.97
n21 PET, film VI A 21.9 0.64 1.48 1.79 4.15
A
Sr is the within-laboratory (or repeatability) standard deviation for the indicated
where: material. It is obtained by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the
Ci = in turn, each of the percent oxygen concentrations used test results from all of the participating laboratories. It is calculated as the square
root of the ratio of (a) the sum of the squares of the individual standard deviations
during measurement of the last six responses in the NT and (b) the number of laboratories.
series of measurements; B
SR is the between-laboratories (or reproducibility) standard deviation, calculated
OI = the oxygen index value, calculated in accordance with as the larger of either (a) the repeatability standard deviation or (b) the standard
deviation of laboratory means.
12.1; and C
r is the within-laboratory critical interval between two test results = 2.8× Sr.
n = the number of measurements of oxygen concentration D
R is the between-laboratories critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × SR.
contributing to ∑(Ci − OI)2.
NOTE 16—For this test method, n = 6, in accordance with 11.1.11.6. For
n < 6, the test method loses precision. For n > 6, alternative statistical
criteria would apply.
accordance with Practice E691, involving eight materials
13. Report tested by twelve laboratories. For each material, the samples
were prepared by the supplier of the material and conditioned
13.1 Report the following information: at the laboratories that tested them. Each laboratory obtained
13.1.1 A reference to this test method; two test results for each material. All laboratories utilized gas
13.1.2 Date of testing; measurement and control devices in accordance with 6.3 (Type
13.1.3 A statement that test results relate only to the A) for accuracy and precision.
behavior of the test specimens under the conditions of this test
method and that these results must not be used to infer the fire
hazards of the material in other forms or under other fire 4
Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:D20-
conditions; 1218.

9
 D2863 − 13
14.2 Table 4 does not include three laboratories that partici-
pated in the round robin and utilized measurement and control
devices in accordance with 6.3 (Type B) for accuracy and
precision. The results from these laboratories could not be
incorporated into this precision statement, due to the limited
number of participants to comply with Practice E691 guide-
lines. Therefore, the resulting precision is provided in Annex
A3.
NOTE 17—Two statistically designed interlaboratory round robins for
precision evaluation were conducted earlier, one with 18 laboratories and
five materials (supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters,
request RR:D20-0102) and one with 29 laboratories and twelve materi-
als.4 The first study indicated a higher standard deviation for specimens
with higher oxygen index, while the second study indicated a dependence
of precision with the type of specimen used.
14.3 Concept of repeatability, “r” and Reproducibility,
“R”, in Table 4—If Sr and SR have been calculated from a large
enough body of data, and for test results that were averages
from testing two specimens for each test result, then:
14.3.1 Repeatability—Two test results obtained within one
laboratory shall be judged not equivalent if they differ by more
than the “r” value for that material. The concept of “r” is the
interval representing the critical difference between two test
results for the same material, obtained by the same operator
using the same equipment in the same laboratory.
14.3.2 Reproducibility—Two test results obtained by differ-
ent laboratories shall be judged not equivalent if they differ by
http://qstandard.org/ ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. CALIBRATION OF EQUIPMENT
A1.1 Leak Tests—Leak tests shall be carried out thoroughly
on all joints where leaks could change the oxygen concentra-
tion levels in the chimney from the concentration levels set or
indicated.
A1.2 Gas-Flow Rates:
A1.2.1 The system for indicating the gas-flow rate through
the chimney, to satisfy 6.3 and 11.1.5 shall be checked using a
calibrated flow meter, or an equivalent device, with an accu-
racy equivalent to 60.2 mm/s flow rate through the chimney.
A1.2.2 The flow rate shall be estimated by dividing the total
gas-flow rate through the chimney by the cross sectional area
of the bore of the chimney, for example, by using the following
equation:
qv
6 verification, in accordance with 11.1, use Type III specimens of
F 5 1.27 3 10 2
D the PMMA. The PMMA shall be a non-modified transparent
where:
F = flow rate through the chimney, mm/s,
qv = total gas-flow at 23 6 2°C through the chimney, L/s,
D = diameter of the bore of the chimney, mm.
10
more than the “R” value for that material. The concept of “R”
is the interval representing the critical difference between two
test results for the same material, obtained by different opera-
tors using different equipment in different laboratories.
14.3.3 Any judgement in accordance with 14.3.1 or 14.3.2
would have an approximate 95 % (0.95) probability of being
correct. (Warning—The explanation of the concepts of
repeatability, “r”, and reproducibility, “R”, in 14.3 is only
intended to present a meaningful way of considering the
approximate precision of this test method. It is inappropriate to
apply the test results and precision in Table 4 to acceptance or
rejection of materials, as these data apply only to the materials
tested in the round robin and are unlikely to be rigorously
representative of other lots, formulations, conditions, materials,
or laboratories. The principles outlined in Practice E691 need
to be applied by users of this test method to generate data
specific to their materials and laboratory (or between specific
laboratories). The principles of repeatability and reproducibil-
ity would then be valid for such data.)
14.4 Bias—There are no recognized standards on which to
base an estimate of bias for this test method.
15. Keywords
15.1 candle-like combustion; minimum oxygen concentra-
tion; oxygen; oxygen concentration; oxygen index
A1.3 Oxygen Concentration:
A1.3.1 The concentration of oxygen in the mixture of gases
flowing into the chimney shall be checked to an accuracy of
0.1 % of mixture, either by sampling the chimney atmosphere
for analysis or by using an independently calibrated analyzer in
situ. If an oxygen analyzer is incorporated in the equipment,
this shall be calibrated using the following gases, each of
which shall conform with 6.3.2 for purity and moisture content:
A1.3.1.1 Any two gases selected from the following: nitro-
gen; oxygen; or clean air; and
A1.3.1.2 A mixture of any two of the preceding gases
having an oxygen concentration within the range of concen-
trations to be used for most test specimens.
A1.4 Verification of Complete Equipment—For monthly
cast sheet based on a homopolymer of methylmethacrylate in
accordance with Specifications D4802, Category A-1 (ISO
7823-1 for Cast Sheets). The PMMA shall have an oxygen
index (OI) between 17.0 and 18.5.
 D2863 − 13
NOTE A1.1—Other PMMA sheets such as cast sheets based on mer used, its contents or molecular weight which effects melt behavior
copolymer of methylmethacrylate, extruded or melt calendered PMMA when being burned.
sheets may give a different burning behavior depending on the comono-

A2. CALCULATION OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATION

A2.1 Oxygen concentrations required for the purposes of supply. For example, for mixtures made using air mixed with oxygen of
Section 11 shall be calculated in accordance with the equation: 98.5 % purity or with nitrogen containing 0.5 % of oxygen, calculate the
oxygen concentration, in percent by volume, using the relationship:
100 V o
Co 5 (A2.1) 98.5 V' o 120.9 V' A 10.5 V' N
V o 1V N Co 5 (A2.2)
V' o 1V' A 1V' N
where:
where:
Co = oxygen concentration, in percent by volume,
V'o = volume of oxygen stream used, per volume of
Vo = volume of oxygen per volume of mixture, at 23°C, and
mixture,
V'A = volume of air stream used, per volume of mixture, and
VN = volume of nitrogen per volume of mixture, at 23°C.
V'N = volume of nitrogen stream used, per volume of mix-
NOTE A2.1—If an oxygen analyzer is used, determine the oxygen
concentration using the readout from the particular instrument used.
ture; assuming that the streams are at the same
NOTE A2.2—If the result is calculated from flow or pressure data for pressure at 23°C.
individual gas streams contributing to the mixture, it is necessary to allow For mixtures based on two gas streams, V'o, V'A , or V'N
for the proportion of oxygen present in streams other than a pure oxygen becomes zero, as appropriate.

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A3. PRECISION AND BIAS ASSESSMENT USING GAS CONTROL DEVICES WITHOUT DIRECT OXYGEN CONCENTRA-
TION MEASUREMENT

A3.1 Table A3.1 is based on a limited round robin4 con- measurement. For each material, the samples were prepared by
ducted in 1999, along with the round robin in Section 14. This the supplier of the material and conditioned at the laboratories
limited round robin does not comply with Practice E691 that tested them. Each laboratory obtained either one or two
because only three laboratories participated on a limited test results for each material. All laboratories utilized gas
number of materials using the 6.3.2 control devices for measurement and control devices in accordance with 6.3.2 for
accuracy and precision, without direct oxygen concentration accuracy and precision.
A3.2 See 14.3 for explanations of the concepts of repeat-
TABLE A3.1 Oxygen Index (OI), %A ability and reproducibility. (Warning—The explanations of
Specimen the concepts of repeatability, “r”, and reproducibility, “R”, is
Material Procedure Average SrB SRC rD RE
Type
PMMA-1 III A 17.1 0.20 0.43 0.57 1.21 only intended to present a meaningful way of considering the
PMMA-2 III A 17.4 0.00 0.61 0.00 1.72 approximate precision of this test method. Do not apply the test
PVC, plasticized I A 48.0 0.27 7.84 0.77 22.0 results and precision in Table A3.1 to acceptance or rejection of
ABS, FR I A 26.5 0.27 11.1 0.95 31.1
PF, thermoset I A 52.2 0.15 0.82 0.42 2.30 materials, as these data apply only to the materials tested in the
PS, foam II A 23.3 0.00 3.04 0.00 8.50 round robin and are unlikely to be rigorously representative of
A
Based on data from only two laboratories. other lots, formulations, conditions, materials, or laboratories.
B
Sr is the within-laboratory (or repeatability) standard deviation for the indicated The principles outlined in Practice E691 need to be applied by
material. It is obtained by pooling the within-laboratory standard deviations of the
test results from all of the participating laboratories. It is calculated as the square
users of this test method to generate data specific to their
root of the ratio of (a) the sum of the squares of the individual standard deviations materials and laboratory (or between specific laboratories). The
and (b) the number of laboratories. principles of repeatability and reproducibility would then be
C
SR is the between-laboratories (or reproducibility) standard deviation, calculated
as the larger of either (a) the repeatability standard deviation or (b) the standard
valid for such data.)
deviation of laboratory means. A3.2.1 Any judgement in accordance with repeatability and
D
r is the within-laboratory critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × Sr.
E
R is the between-laboratories critical interval between two test results = 2.8 × SR. reproducibility would have an approximate 95 % (0.95) prob-
ability of being correct.

11
 D2863 − 13

A4. OPTIONAL ALTERNATE SYSTEM FOR GAS MEASUREMENT

A4.1 If direct measurement of oxygen concentration is not A4.2 The system in A4.1 was consistently used when direct
available, it is acceptable to conduct gas measurements by measurement of oxygen concentration was not easily available.
means of a system that includes the following: calibrated
orifices, gas pressure regulators, pressure gauges on the indi-
vidual gas supply lines and needle valves and calibrated flow
meters on the individual gas supply lines.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TYPICAL TEST RESULTS SHEET

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12
 D2863 − 13

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13
 D2863 − 13
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D2863 - 12ε1) that may impact the use of this standard. (September 1, 2013)

(1) Revised 6.3 and added Annex A4.

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D2863 - 10)
that may impact the use of this standard. (April 1, 2012)

(1) Removed “igniter flame” from Figure 1.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
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make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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14
 Designation: D6817/D6817M − 15
Standard Specification for
Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6817/D6817M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the types, physical properties
and dimensions of rigid cellular polystyrene intended for use as
geofoam.
1.2 This specification does not cover the layout, placement
and workmanship for proper installation and performance of
rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam.
1.3 Rigid cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this
specification may need protection from certain chemicals,
environmental exposure, and concentrated loads. Additional
design considerations may include thermal conductivity and
buoyancy. Guidelines regarding these end use considerations
are included in Appendix X1.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
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each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory requirements prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of
Thermal Insulations
C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Proper-
ties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre-
formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D35 on
Geosynthetics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D35.03 on Perme-
ability and Filtration.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published January 2015. Originally
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D6817/D6817M–13a.
DOI: 10.1520/D6817_D6817M-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
Insulation Lots
C578 Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal
Insulation
D1621 Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid
Cellular Plastics
D1622/D1622M Test Method for Apparent Density of Rigid
Cellular Plastics
D2863 Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen
Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of
Plastics (Oxygen Index)
D4439 Terminology for Geosynthetics
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Terms used in this specification are defined in Termi-
nology D4439.
3.1.2 geofoam—block or planar rigid cellular foam poly-
meric material used in geotechnical engineering applications.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 EPS, XX—number designation for expanded polysty-
rene geofoam type(s) having a minimum density of XX kg/m3
[lb/ft3].
3.2.2 RCPS—letter designation for EPS and XPS rigid
cellular polystyrene geofoam covered by this specification.
3.2.3 XPS, XX—number designation for extruded polysty-
rene geofoam type(s) having a minimum density of XX kg/m3
[lb/ft3].
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Acquisition documents shall specify the following:
4.1.1 Title, number and year of this specification.
4.1.2 Type, as per Table 1.
4.1.3 Total product volume required of each type.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 RCPS geofoam shall be formed by the expansion of
polystyrene resin beads or granules in a molding process (EPS)
or by the expansion of polystyrene base resin in an extrusion
 D6817/D6817M − 15
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements of RCPS GeofoamA
Type EPS12 EPS15 EPS19 EPS22 EPS29 EPS39 EPS46 XPS20 XPS21 XPS26 XPS29 XPS36 XPS48
Density, min., 11.2 14.4 18.4 21.6 28.8 38.4 45.7 19.2 20.8 25.6 28.8 35.2 48.0
kg/m3 [lb/ft3] [0.70] [0.90] [1.15] [1.35] [1.80] [2.40] [2.85] [1.20] [1.30] [1.60] [1.80] [2.20] [3.00]

Compressive 15 25 40 50 75 103 128 20 35 75 105 160 280

Resistance, [2.2] [3.6] [5.8] [7.3] [10.9] [15.0] [18.6] [2.9] [5.1] [10.9] [15.2] [23.2] [40.6]
min., kPa [psi]
at 1 % strain

Flexural 69 172 207 240 345 414 517 276 276 345 414 517 689
Strength, min., [10.0] [25.0] [30.0] [35] [50.0] [60.0] [75.0] [40.0] [40.0] [50.0] [60.0] [75.0] [100.0]
kPa [psi]

Oxygen index, 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0 24.0
min.,
volume %
A
For products that have an external skin, testing shall be undertaken with skins intact.

TABLE 2 Common Manufactured Dimensions of RCPS Geofoam

process (XPS). RCPS geofoam may be manufactured with
Dimension,
reprocessed polystyrene foam (regrind). mm [in.]
All EPS Types All XPS Types

5.2 RCPS geofoam shall be of uniform density and have Width 305 to 1219 [12 to 48] 406 to 1219 [16 to 48]
Length 1219 to 4877 [48 to 1219 to 2743 [48 to
essentially closed cells. RCPS geofoam is an organic material 192] 108]
and is considered combustible. It should not be exposed to Thickness 25 to 1219 [1 to 48] 25 to 102 [1 to 4]
flames or other ignition sources.

6. Qualification Requirements 8.1.1 Surface Damage—Damage to load bearing RCPS

6.1 The physical properties listed in Table 1 constitute the geofoam surfaces shall be limited to less than 20 % of the
minimum product qualification requirements for commonly equivalent load bearing area of the unit.
8.1.2 Volume Damage—Volumetric damage of RCPS geo-

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manufactured types of RCPS geofoam. The compressive resis-
tance at 1 % strain is typically within the elastic limit of the
geofoam product types in Table 1 and is accepted as the
compressive resistance to limit long-term deformation under
structural load.
6.2 RCPS Geofoam Types—It is the users responsibility to
specify the required type as in Table 1 and to obtain supporting
documentation regarding physical properties from the material
supplier.
6.3 Combustibility Requirements—All RCPS geofoam shall
contain sufficient flame retardants to meet a minimum Oxygen
Index as required in Table 1.
6.4 Curing—Unless otherwise specified in the contract,
RCPS geofoam shall be cured for a minimum of 24 h before
delivery and inspection.
7. Availability and Dimensional Tolerance
7.1 Availability—The RCPS geofoam materials covered by
this specification are commonly available in the size range
shown in Table 2. Specific RCPS geofoam block dimensions
vary by manufacturer equipment characteristics.
7.2 Dimensional Tolerance—Unless otherwise specified, the
acceptable length, width, thickness, flatness and squareness
tolerance criteria on RCPS geofoam shall not exceed 60.5 %.
8. Damage and Degradation
8.1 Damage—RCPS geofoam as delivered to the project site
shall have no defects that will adversely affect its service and
workability qualities. Material units that manifest unacceptable
surface or volumetric damage shall be replaced.
foam shall be limited to less than 1 % of the volume of a single
unit.
8.1.3 UV (Ultra-Violet) Degradation—Discoloration and
dusting of RCPS geofoam caused by the extensive exposure to
sunlight is a defect that will adversely affect its service and is
grounds for rejection. Refer to X1.6.
9. Inspection
9.1 Sampling—Unless otherwise specified in the purchase
order or contract, the material shall be sampled for inspection
in accordance with Practice C390.
9.2 Weight—Determine the weight of selected full size units
in accordance with Test Method D1622/D1622M, or as speci-
fied.
9.3 Dimensions—Verify specified dimensions and
tolerances, as prescribed in Test Method D1622/D1622M and
7.2 of this specification.
9.4 Density—Compute the density of test samples in accor-
dance with Test Method D1622/D1622M.
10. Acceptance or Rejection
10.1 Material that fails to conform to this specification shall
be rejected promptly in writing. The manufacturer or supplier
shall have the right to re-inspect the rejected shipment and
resubmit selected units for acceptance under tightened inspec-
tion.
11. Certification
11.1 Unless otherwise specified in the purchase order or
contract, the manufacturer or supplier shall furnish third party

2
 D6817/D6817M − 15
certification that representative material has either been tested TABLE 3 Compressive Resistance at 1 % (units)
or inspected as directed in the specification and the require- Repeatability Reproducibility
Repeatability Reproducibility
AverageA Standard Standard
ments have been met. When specified in the purchase order or Material _ Limit Limit
x Deviation Deviation
contract, a report of the test results shall be furnished. Sr SR
r R

A 4.564 0.333 0.647 0.933 1.812

12. Product Marking B 9.855 0.381 1.144 1.068 3.203
C 21.591 0.850 2.310 2.379 6.467
12.1 The following shall be marked on each whole unit of
A
product: The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

12.1.1 Manufacturers Identification,

12.1.2 Date of Manufacture,
TABLE 4 Compressive Resistance at 5 % (units)
12.1.3 Type, (See Table 1).
Repeatability Reproducibility
AverageA Repeatability Reproducibility
Standard Standard
13. Test Methods Material _
Deviation Deviation
Limit Limit
x r R
13.1 Conditioning: Sr SR

13.1.1 Samples shall be conditioned at a standard laboratory A 11.021 0.480 0.631 1.344 1.767
B 19.956 0.454 0.527 1.270 1.474
temperature of 23 6 2°C [73.4 6 4°F] for a minimum of 24 h C 42.664 0.932 1.152 2.610 3.226
prior to the start of tests. A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.
13.2 Dimensions and Density—Test in accordance with Test
Method C303 or Test Method D1622/D1622M.
TABLE 5 Compressive Resistance at 10 % (units)
13.3 Compressive Resistance—Test in accordance with Test
Repeatability Reproducibility
Method C165 or Test Method D1621 using 50 mm [2 in.] AverageA Standard Standard
Repeatability Reproducibility
Material _ Limit Limit
cubes. The rate of cross-head movement shall be 5.0 6 0.5 x Deviation Deviation
r R
mm/min [0.2 6 0.02 in./min] equivalent to 10 % strain per Sr SR

minute. A 12.660 0.532 0.701 1.490 1.962

B 22.051 0.510 0.609 1.427 1.705
13.4 Flexural Strength—Test in accordance with Test C 46.705 1.080 1.343 3.023 3.760
Method C203. A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.

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13.5 Oxygen Index—Test in accordance with Test Method
D2863.
14. Precision and Bias 3 obtained by different operators using different equipment in
14.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
interlaboratory study of 13.3 of Specification D6817, con-
ducted in 2011. A total of seven laboratories participated in this
study, testing three materials at 1 %, 5 %, and 10 % compres-
sive resistance. Each “test result” reported represents an
individual determination, and all participants were asked to
report five test results for each area tested. Practice E691 was
followed for the design and analysis of the data; the details are
given in ASTM Research Report No. RR: D35-1014.
14.1.1 Repeatability limit (r)—Two test results obtained
within one laboratory shall be judged not equivalent if they
differ by more than the “r” value for that material; “r” is the
interval representing the critical difference between two test
results for the same material, obtained by the same operator
using the same equipment on the same day in the same
laboratory.
14.1.1.1 Repeatability limits are listed in Tables 3-5.
14.1.2 Reproducibility limit (R)—Two test results shall be
judged not equivalent if they differ by more than the “R” value
for that material; “R” is the interval representing the critical
3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D35-1014.
difference between two test results for the same material,
different laboratories.
14.1.2.1 Reproducibility limits are listed in Tables 3-5.
14.1.3 The above terms (repeatability limit and reproduc-
ibility limit) are used as specified in Practice E177.
14.1.4 Any judgment made in accordance with statements
14.1.1 and 14.1.2 would have an approximate 95 % probability
of being correct.
14.2 Bias—As there were no available standard reference
materials at the time of this study, bias cannot be determined.
14.3 The precision statement was determined through sta-
tistical examination of 315 test results, submitted by seven
laboratories, recording compressive resistance measurements
of three materials.
14.3.1 The three materials were all described as expanded
polystyrene.
14.4 To judge the equivalency of two test results, it is
recommended to choose the material that is closest in charac-
teristics to the test material.
15. Keywords
15.1 block; board; cellular polystyrene; EPS; expanded
polystyrene; extruded polystyrene; foam plastic; geofoam;
RCPS; reprocessed; rigid cellular polystyrene; XPS

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 D6817/D6817M − 15
TABLE X1.1 Additional Physical Property Requirements of RCPS GeofoamA,B
Type EPS12 EPS15 EPS19 EPS22 EPS29 EPS39 EPS46 XPS20 XPS21 XPS26 XPS29 XPS36 XPS48
Density, min., 11.2 14.4 18.4 21.6 28.8 38.4 45.7 19.2 20.8 25.6 28.8 35.2 48.0
kg/m3 [lb/ft3] [0.70] [0.90] [1.15] [1.35] [1.80] [2.40] [2.85] [1.20] [1.30] [1.60] [1.80] [2.20] [3.00]

Compressive 35 55 90 115 170 241 300 85 110 185 235 335 535
Resistance, [5.1] [8.0] [13.1] [16.7] [24.7] [35.0] [43.5] [12.3] [16.0] [26.8] [34.1] [46.6] [77.6]
min., kPa [psi]
at 5 % strain

Compressive 40 70 110 135 200 276 345 104 104 173 276 414 690
Resistance, [5.8] [10.2] [16.0] [19.6] [29.0] [40.0] [50] [15.0] [15.0] [25.0] [40.0] [60.0] [100.0]
min., kPa [psi]
at 10 % strainA
A
If yield occurs prior to 10 % deformation, report compressive resistance and deformation at yield in addition to the compressive resistance at 1 %, 5 %, and 10 %
deformation.
B
For products that have an external skin, testing shall be undertaken with skins intact.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. END-USE CONSIDERATIONS

X1.1 Thermal Resistance X1.5 Design

X1.1.1 RCPS geofoam also functions as a thermal insula-
tion. The thermal insulation properties of RCPS geofoam are as
specified in Specification C578, and may impact the end use
design of applications subject to different exposure conditions.
Consult the RCPS geofoam manufacturer for specific recom-
mendations.
X1.2 Solvent Exposure http://qstandard.org/
X1.2.1 RCPS geofoam must be protected from petroleum
X1.5.1 The design and installation of RCPS geofoam is the
responsibility of the user.
X1.5.2 RCPS geofoam can be supplied precut to specified
dimensions to fit specific project needs. Desired shapes and
sizes can also be field cut with a hot wire, saw, or other cutting
tool.

X1.6 Ultra-Violet Degradation

based solvents and their vapors. Examples of these solvents
are: gasoline, diesel fuel, concrete curing compound, coal tar
pitch, and asphaltic mastic compounds.
X1.3 Equipment Traffic
X1.3.1 Equipment traffic that can impose contact pressures
in excess of the allowable design stress for RCPS geofoam
should be restricted. Protective materials such as sheathing or
planks may be placed on the material to allow light rubber-tired
equipment use.
X1.4 Buoyancy
X1.4.1 RCPS geofoam becomes buoyant when submerged
in water and adequate ballast must be provided to resist
expected uplift forces.
X1.6.1 Discoloration and dusting of load bearing surfaces
of RCPS geofoam caused by extended exposure to sunlight
shall be removed by pressure washing.
X1.7 Compressive Resistance at 5 % and 10 % Strain
X1.7.1 The compressive resistance properties in Table X1.1
are provided for application where compressive resistance
requirements for intended end use applications are beyond the
elastic limit of geofoam.
NOTE X1.1—The application of sustained load to geofoam beyond the
elastic limit will result in significant deflections beyond the values
provided in Table X1.1.

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