Cone calorimetry-a review of tests carried out on plastics for the association of plastic manufacturers in Europe

An evaluation of the cone calorimeter by the Association of Plastic Manufacturers in Europe (APME) involved testing of 25 plastic materials together with two natural polymers. Specimen preparation is identified as having an important influence on the results, especially for certain types of material. Ignition time, rate of heat release (RHR) and smoke results are presented to show the influence of external heat flux. The dynamic smoke results (which should be measured from the time of exposure) are only relevant to well‐ventilated fires unless the cone calorimeter is specially modified. For a complete evaluation a cumulative smoke measurement may be needed in addition. Although the cone calorimeter is a valuable research tool, and may be used frequently in industry, it needs to be made more robust and user friendly to avoid excessive downtime and to reduce calibration time. If the instrument is to be used for routine development and quality assurance, only one or two heat flux levels should be selected. These could represent a developing and a developed fire and should depend on the product application.