Laboratory testing of materials for marine use

Surface flammability testing by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 5 is performed on surface materials (e.g., wall and ceiling linings, floor and deck coverings) to assess their suitability for use in shipbuilding. The specimen is inserted in the specimen holder together with a substrate. It is vertically positioned during the test and is exposed to a heat radiation panel. The test is conducted with a pilot flame. The time of ignition, the spread of flame, extinguishment of flame, and burning droplets are observed and noted. Also, the following parameters are measured: CFE = critical flux at extinguishment (kW/m²), Qsb = heat for sustained burning (MJ/m²), Qt = total heat release (MJ), Qp = peak heat release rate (kW).

Smoke and toxicity testing by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 2 is performed on surface materials (e.g., deck, ceiling, and wall coverings) to assess their suitability for marine use. The specimen is placed in a horizontal position under a cone radiator in a smoke-density chamber. During the test, the specimen starts to emit smoke, which is collected in the closed chamber. The density of smoke is detected optically. Toxicity measurements are made with FTIR to measure the concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen bromide (HBr), hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen oxides NO_x (NO + NO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Classification criteria for smoke The average (D_m) of the maximum of D_s of three tests at each test condition should be within the following limits: D_m 200 for materials used as the surface of bulkheads, linings, or ceilings, D_m 400 for materials used as a primary deck covering, D_m 500 for materials used as a floor covering , D_m 400 for plastic pipes and electric cables. Classification criteria for toxicity The gas concentrations measured at each test condition should be within the following limits: CO 1450 ppm, HCl 600 ppm, HBr 600 ppm, HF 600 ppm, HCN 140 ppm , NO_x 350 ppm , SO₂ 120 ppm (200 ppm for flooring).

Materials for maritime use are tested in accordance with the IMO 2010 FTP Code (International Maritime Organization Fire Testing Procedures Code). Results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). Part 1 of the code describes the procedure for non-combustibility testing. First, the moisture content of the material is calculated as a percentage of dry weight. Test specimens are heated in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 105 ºC for 24 hours and reweighted after cooling in a desiccator. Specimens shall be further tested and heated in an oven at a temperature of 500 ºC for 2 h and reweighted after cooling in a desiccator. The organic content is calculated as a percentage of the dry weight. For the non-combustibility assessment, the test specimens shall be cylindrical and have a diameter of 43–45 mm and a height of 50±3 mm. The specimen is placed in a vertical tube furnace with a temperature of 750 °C. The furnace and specimen temperatures are measured continuously during the test. Multiple specimens are tested. The material is non-combustible according to IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 1 if all the following criteria are met: The average furnace thermocouple temperature rise does not exceed 30 °C, The average test specimen surface thermocouple temperature rise does not exceed 30 °C, The average duration of sustained flaming does not exceed 10 s, The average mass loss does not exceed 50 %..

The IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 tests are used to assess the suitability of upholstered furniture for use on ships. The results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). Testing is performed on the actual product, or a small-scale test chair made using the cover and filling components of the product. Materials needed for the test are as follows x 3: Cover: 800 mm x 650 mm, Back-filling: 450 mm x 300 mm x 75 mm , Seat-filling: 450 mm x 150 mm x 75 mm. In the cigarette test, a cigarette is lighted and positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. The test assembly is not allowed to smolder after one hour from the beginning of the test. In the burner tube test, a burner tube with a propane flame is allowed to burn for 20 seconds, positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. No flaming or progressive smoldering is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after the removal of the burner tube.

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 9 fire testing assesses the suitability of bedding components (mattresses, quilts, blankets, pillows, etc.) for use on ships. Test results can be used for type approval under the EU Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EU (wheel mark). Mattresses are placed directly on the steel test rig, while quilts, blankets, pillows, and thin, lightweight mattresses are fixed to a mineral wool board placed on the rig. Two ignition sources are used: a smoldering cigarette covered with a cotton wool pad and a small gas flame. They are applied to the surface of the test specimen, and ignition/burning behavior is observed. The bedding component passes the test if neither ignition source causes progressive smoldering or flaming.

Vertically supported textiles and films are to be tested by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 7 to assess their suitability for marine use. Test results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). At least 20 specimens (170 mm x 220 mm) are cut in both directions of the fabric. If the sides of the fabric are different, both sides shall be tested. Products treated with flame retardants are tested before and after ten full cycles of cleaning and drying. The test specimen is fixed to a vertical metal frame that is placed in the testing cabinet. The specimen is then ignited with a propane gas flame (40 ± 2 mm). Preliminary tests are performed for both directions, the worst case of ignition scenario is chosen, and 5 further tests are conducted in both directions. The after-flame time, burn-through, ignition of cotton wool below, average char length, and surface flash are observed.