Fire retardant request on composite building material

As the development of the society, more and more consumers from various markets care about the family member health and safety during the selection of the wood plastic composite building material. On one hand, we focus on the composite material itself to make sure it is green and safe material and on the other hand, we care about if it can protect us from other disaster like fire.

In EU, the fire classification of construction products and building elements is EN 13501–1:2018, which is accepted in any EC country.

Although the classification will be accepted throughout Europe, it does not mean that you will be able to use a product in the same areas from country to country, as their specific request may be varied, some needs B level, while some may need the material to reach A level.

To be more specific, there are flooring and cladding sections.

For flooring, the test standard mainly follow EN ISO 9239-1 to judge the heat release critical flux and EN ISO 11925-2 Exposure=15s to see the flame spread height.

While for cladding, the test was conducted in accordance with EN 13823 to evaluates the potential contribution of a product to the development of a fire, under a fire situation simulating a single burning item near to the product. Here are several factors, such as fire growth rate, smoke growth rate, total smoke and heat release amount and etc.

Also, it has to be in accordance with EN ISO 11925-2 Exposure=30s like flooring test had to check the flame spread height situation.

USA

For USA market, the main request and classification for fire retardant is

International Building Code (IBC)：

Class A：FDI 0-25；SDI 0-450；

Class B：FDI 26-75；SDI 0-450；

Class C：FDI 76-200；SDI 0-450；

And test is executed according to ASTM E84 through Tunnel apparatus. Flame Spread Index and Smoke Development Index are the key data.

Of course, for some states, like California, they have their special request on proof of exterior wildfire. Thus there is designed under deck flame test according to California Referenced Standards Code (Chapter 12-7A).

AUS BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL (BAL)

AS 3959, this Standard provides methods for determine the performance of external construction elements when exposed to radiant heat, burning embers and burning debris.

There are 6 bushfire attack levels in total.

If you want to know more about each tests or market request, please feel free to leave us message.