While corrugated plastic is not inherently flame retardant, additives can be added in the manufacturing process to obtain flame retardant properties. Numerous internationally recognized test exists to test the flame retardancy of a given material. Here is a breakdown of the three most common:

UL 94, the Standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances testing, is a plastics flammability standard. The standard determines the material’s tendency to either extinguish or spread the flame once the specimen has been ignited.

  • H-B: Horizontal Burn; Slow horizontal burn test (H-B) are considered “self-extinguishing”.
  • V-2: Vertical Burn; Burning stops within 60 seconds, Flaming drips ARE allowed.
  • V-1: Vertical Burn; Burning stops within 60 seconds, NO flaming drips are allowed.
  • V-0: Vertical Burn; Burning stops within 10 seconds, NO flaming drips are allowed.

ASTM E84 is an American National Standard (ANSI) and has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense. The test was conducted in accordance with the ASTM International fire-test-response standard E84-18a, Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials sometimes referred to as the Steiner tunnel test. The ASTM E84 test method is the technical equivalent of UL No. 723. The test is applicable to exposed interior surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated face down toward the ignition source. Contrary to the other tests

NFPA 701-15 establishes test methods to assess the propagation of flame of various textiles and films under specified fire test conditions. Corrugated plastic falls within method 2. During that test, specimens are conditioned to 105°C for a period between 1 and 3 hours. The specimens are supported vertically with clips. Exposed to a calibrated flame until material ceases or burned completely.

As part of our ongoing initiative to offer expert advice, we recently submitted Flutecorr® sheets equipped with flame retardant additives to a certified testing facility (see table below). Heavy-duty retardant passed the most demanding test and should be used in any environment where a high standard of safety must be observed.  All results are compiled in an easy to understand table available for download.

Do you have an upcoming project that requires high-quality flame retardant corrugated plastic sheets? Inquire today for pricing.