ASTM D2863-23 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D2863-23 — Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle‑Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index). This standard defines the Oxygen Index (LOI) test procedure used to determine the minimum volume percent oxygen in a flowing oxygen/nitrogen mixture that will just support flaming combustion of a plastic specimen under specified laboratory conditions.

Abstract

This fire‑test‑response method describes three procedures (Procedure A: top surface ignition; Procedure B: propagating ignition; Procedure C: short comparative procedure) and specimen types for measuring the minimum oxygen concentration required to sustain candle‑like flaming of plastics. Results characterize material response under the controlled test conditions but are not by themselves a measure of full fire hazard in end‑use conditions. The method is technically equivalent to ISO 4589‑2 when using the specified gas measurement/control device.

General information

• Status: Active standard.
• Publication date: 2023 (published / listed 1 October 2023; designation D2863‑23).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Plastics — 83.080.01 (reaction‑to‑fire / flammability testing).
• Edition / version: D2863‑23 (includes editorial erratum D2863‑23e1 where applicable).
• Number of pages: Approximately 15 pages (standard document length as published).

Scope

The standard prescribes a laboratory test to determine the minimum oxygen concentration (percent by volume) in an oxygen/nitrogen flow that will just support flaming combustion of plastic specimens. It applies to a range of specimen types (six defined specimen geometries) and to materials that are self‑supporting as vertical bars or sheets up to about 10.5 mm thick, and also provides procedures for flexible sheets and some cellular materials. The standard explicitly states that results are valid only for the specified test exposure conditions and do not automatically predict behavior in real end‑use fires.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and reporting of Oxygen Index (LOI) expressed as volume percent oxygen required to sustain candle‑like flaming.
• Three test procedures: Procedure A (top surface ignition), Procedure B (propagating ignition), Procedure C (short comparative procedure).
• Specimen preparation and six specimen types / geometries with specified dimensions and conditioning.
• Test apparatus: vertical specimen holder within a glass chimney, controlled bottom‑up flow of O2/N2 mixture, ignition source and flame observation criteria.
• Gas measurement and control accuracy requirements (equipment options and Type A device references) and note on equivalence with ISO 4589‑2 when using the prescribed gas control device.
• Limitations and safety statements: results applicable only to the test conditions; hazards from combustion products; requirement for laboratory safeguards.

Typical use and users

Routine use in materials and product development, quality control, and comparative flammability screening for plastics and polymeric materials. Typical users include polymer manufacturers, product designers, third‑party testing laboratories, certification bodies, regulatory agencies, and fire‑safety engineers evaluating relative flame resistance (LOI) for material selection or compliance programs.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or complementary standards include ISO 4589‑2 (plastics — determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index — ambient temperature test; technically equivalent under specified conditions), ASTM D3801 (vertical burning characteristics), ASTM D635 (rate of burning in horizontal position), ASTM D1929 (ignition temperature), ASTM D2843 (density of smoke), UL 94 (flame classification for parts in devices and appliances), and other ASTM fire‑response methods for cellular and flexible plastics. These standards are used together when developing a broader reaction‑to‑fire profile.

Keywords

Oxygen Index; LOI; oxygen concentration; flammability; plastics; candle‑like combustion; oxygen/nitrogen flow; Procedure A; Procedure B; Procedure C; ISO 4589‑2; fire‑test‑response.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2863‑23 is a standardized laboratory test method that measures the minimum oxygen concentration (oxygen index or LOI) required to support candle‑like flaming of plastic specimens under controlled conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen types and preparation, three test procedures (top surface ignition, propagating ignition, and a short comparative procedure), apparatus and gas‑control requirements, test method execution, data reporting, and limitations on interpretation of results. It also notes technical equivalence to ISO 4589‑2 when specific gas‑control devices are used.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials scientists, polymer and additive manufacturers, product safety engineers, third‑party testing and certification laboratories, regulatory bodies, and anyone needing comparative flammability data (LOI) for plastics.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the D2863‑23 edition (2023) is the active version and it revises the previous D2863‑19 edition; an editorial erratum (D2863‑23e1) is noted for some published copies. Check the publisher for the absolute latest amendments or corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's D20 Committee fire‑testing portfolio (reaction‑to‑fire for plastics) and is commonly used alongside related test methods (e.g., D635, D3801, D1929, D2843) and international standards such as ISO 4589‑2.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Oxygen Index; LOI; oxygen concentration; flammability; plastics; candle‑like combustion; gas control; Procedure A/B/C; ISO 4589‑2.