Surface burning characteristics of building materials

Composites are finding increasing applications in the construction industry for interior and exterior applications. These composite panels must meet construction codes and legislation on fire resistance. The ASTM E 84 tunnel test measures the spread of flame in a flow of air. The air is heated by burners as it passes along the length of the sample which reaches its ignition temperature. Measurements of reduction of light due to smoke are taken using a photometer system. Other values measured include the exhaust gas temperature and flame spread velocity.