Fire sensitivity research test

Fire Sensitivity Research Test Service – Comprehensive Evaluation of Material Ignition Behaviour, Heat Release and Flame Spread for Fire‑Safe Design in Chilean Industry and Infrastructure

As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited independent testing laboratory, we offer specialised fire sensitivity research testing services to manufacturers, fire safety engineers, regulatory authorities, and quality assurance teams across the construction, transportation, mining, energy, and electronics sectors. Fire sensitivity – the susceptibility of a material to ignite, propagate flame, and release heat under a given fire scenario – is a critical safety parameter for building materials, interior furnishings, cables, composites, and structural elements. In Chile's diverse industrial and climatic landscape – from the high‑rise buildings of Santiago and the mining operations of the Atacama Desert to the tunnelling projects of the Andes and the coastal infrastructure of Valparaíso – the fire sensitivity of materials directly affects occupant safety, asset protection, and regulatory compliance. Our research experiments evaluate the ignition time, heat release rate, flame spread, and total heat release of materials under controlled fire conditions, providing essential data for material selection, fire safety design, and product certification. All methods are aligned with ISO, ASTM, EN, and NCh standards, including ISO 5660‑1 (Cone calorimeter – Heat release rate), ASTM E1354 (Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter), ISO 11925‑2 (Reaction to fire tests – Ignitability), ASTM D1929 (Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics), ASTM D635 (Rate of Burning of Plastics), EN 13823 (Single burning item test), and NCh 935 (Fire safety – Reaction to fire). Our inspection and test reports are recognised by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels (SEC), the National Geology and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN), and leading Chilean building, mining, and industrial companies for product certification, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance.

Materials and Products We Regularly Test

Our fire sensitivity research laboratory accommodates a wide range of materials, components, and finished products. Typical test articles include:

• Building and construction materials – insulation foams, wall panels, ceiling tiles, flooring materials, sealants, and adhesives
• Interior furnishings – upholstery fabrics, curtains, carpets, and mattress materials
• Electrical and electronic materials – cable insulation, wire jacketing, printed circuit boards, and electronic enclosures
• Composite materials – fibre‑reinforced plastics, laminates, and sandwich panels
• Polymers and plastics – thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers
• Timber and wood‑based products – treated and untreated timber, plywood, MDF, and OSB
• Transportation components – aircraft cabin materials, railway interior panels, and automotive interior trims
• Mining and industrial materials – conveyor belts, hoses, seals, and ventilation ducting

Research Experiment Design – Multi‑Stage Fire Sensitivity Assessment

Our fire sensitivity research experiments are structured in three stages: small‑scale screening, intermediate‑scale evaluation, and full‑scale scenario testing. The design is customised to your specific material, application, and regulatory requirements.

• Stage 1 – Small‑scale screening (cone calorimeter and ignition temperature tests) – We perform initial screening using the cone calorimeter (ISO 5660‑1 / ASTM E1354) and the ignition temperature test (ASTM D1929). The cone calorimeter measures the heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), time to ignition (TTI), and peak heat release rate (pHRR) under a controlled radiant heat flux (25‑75 kW/m²). The ignition temperature test determines the minimum temperature at which the material ignites (auto‑ignition temperature) and the temperature at which it ignites in the presence of a pilot flame (flash‑ignition temperature).
• Stage 2 – Intermediate‑scale evaluation (single burning item – SBI test – EN 13823) – We perform the SBI test on larger specimens (typically 1.5 m × 1.0 m) to simulate a realistic fire scenario. The test measures the heat release rate, the flame spread, and the smoke production. The results are used to classify the material according to the Euroclass system (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F).
• Stage 3 – Full‑scale scenario testing (room corner test and tunnel simulation) – For critical applications (e.g., tunnels, underground mines, high‑rise buildings), we perform full‑scale tests in a room‑corner test or a tunnel simulator. The test specimens are installed as they would be in service, and a controlled fire is ignited. The fire development, flame spread, and heat release are monitored using a network of thermocouples, heat flux gauges, and video cameras.

Key Fire Sensitivity Parameters – Heat Release, Ignition and Flame Spread

• Time to ignition (TTI) – ISO 5660‑1 / ASTM E1354 / NCh 935 – The time (in seconds) from the start of the test to the first sustained ignition of the specimen. A long TTI (> 100 seconds) indicates a material that is difficult to ignite; a short TTI (< 20 seconds) indicates a highly ignitable material.
• Peak heat release rate (pHRR) – ISO 5660‑1 / ASTM E1354 – The maximum heat release rate (in kW/m²) measured during the test. A low pHRR (< 100 kW/m²) indicates a material that releases heat slowly; a high pHRR (> 500 kW/m²) indicates a material that releases heat rapidly and can contribute to rapid fire growth.
• Total heat release (THR) – ISO 5660‑1 / ASTM E1354 – The total heat released per unit area (in MJ/m²) during the test. A low THR (< 10 MJ/m²) indicates a material that is not a significant fuel source; a high THR (> 50 MJ/m²) indicates a material that can contribute significantly to the fire load.
• Flame spread index (FSI) – ASTM E84 / NCh 935 – For building materials, we determine the flame spread index using the Steiner tunnel test (ASTM E84). The FSI is a dimensionless number that compares the flame spread of the material to that of red oak (FSI = 100). A low FSI (< 25) indicates a Class A material (non‑combustible); a high FSI (> 200) indicates a Class C material (highly combustible).
• Ignition temperature – ASTM D1929 / ISO 871 – The auto‑ignition temperature (the minimum temperature at which the material ignites without a pilot flame) and the flash‑ignition temperature (the minimum temperature at which the material ignites in the presence of a pilot flame) are measured. A high ignition temperature (> 350 °C) indicates a material that is resistant to ignition; a low ignition temperature (< 200 °C) indicates a material that is easily ignited.

Fire Sensitivity under Different Fire Scenarios – Simulating Real‑World Conditions

• Low‑heat‑flux scenario – for simulating a small ignition source – We perform the cone calorimeter test at a low heat flux (25 kW/m²) to simulate the ignition of the material by a small flame or a glowing cigarette.
• High‑heat‑flux scenario – for simulating a fully developed fire – We perform the cone calorimeter test at a high heat flux (75 kW/m²) to simulate the exposure of the material to a well‑developed fire.
• Variable‑heat‑flux scenario – for simulating a developing fire – We expose the specimen to a progressive heat flux (ramp from 0 to 75 kW/m²) to simulate a developing fire. The ignition time, the heat release rate, and the flame spread are measured as a function of time and heat flux.
• Oxygen concentration variation – for simulating ventilation‑controlled fires – We perform the cone calorimeter test at different oxygen concentrations (21 %, 15 %, 10 %) to simulate the effect of ventilation on the fire sensitivity of the material.
• Mechanical stress during fire – for simulating structural loading – We apply a mechanical load (tension, compression, or bending) to the specimen during the fire test to simulate the effect of structural loading on the fire sensitivity.

Effect of Additives and Formulations – Evaluating the Fire‑Retardant Performance

• Base material vs. treated material comparison – We compare the fire sensitivity parameters (TTI, pHRR, THR, FSI) of the base material (without additives) with those of the material treated with a fire‑retardant additive. The fire‑retardant effectiveness (FRE) is calculated as: FRE (%) = [(HRR_Base – HRR_Treated) / HRR_Base] × 100. A FRE > 80 % is excellent ; between 60 and 80 % is acceptable ; < 60 % is insufficient.
• Dose‑response curve for fire‑retardant additives – We test the additive at different concentrations (e.g., 1 %, 2 %, 5 %, 10 %) and measure the fire sensitivity parameters at each concentration. The dose‑response curve is plotted, and the optimal concentration for fire retardancy is determined.
• Synergistic effect of additives – for combination products – We test combinations of different fire‑retardant additives (e.g., intumescent coating + flame‑retardant filler) to evaluate any synergistic or antagonistic effects. The results are used to optimise the formulation of the fire‑retardant system.
• Fire retardancy under different fire scenarios – for assessing the robustness of the formulation – We evaluate the fire‑retardant performance under both low‑heat‑flux and high‑heat‑flux scenarios to ensure that the formulation is effective over a range of fire conditions.

Simulation of Extreme Climatic Conditions – Atacama Desert, Patagonia and Coastal Regions

• High‑temperature conditioning – for simulating the Atacama Desert – We condition the specimens at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C for 48 hours before the fire sensitivity test, to simulate the high ambient temperatures of the northern Chilean desert.
• Low‑temperature conditioning – for simulating the Patagonia and the Andes – We condition the specimens at -10 °C, -20 °C, and -30 °C for 48 hours, and then perform the fire sensitivity test. The effect of low temperatures on the ignition and heat release is evaluated.
• High‑humidity conditioning – for simulating coastal and southern Chilean climates – We condition the specimens at 95 % RH and 40 °C for 48 hours, and then perform the fire sensitivity test. The effect of moisture on the fire sensitivity is evaluated.
• High‑altitude conditioning – for simulating mining operations at 3 000‑5 000 metres – We perform the fire sensitivity test in a low‑pressure chamber (simulating altitudes of 3 000‑5 000 m) to evaluate the effect of reduced atmospheric pressure on the ignition and heat release.

Data Analysis and Interpretation – Quantifying Fire Sensitivity

• Time to ignition (TTI) – in seconds – A TTI > 100 seconds is excellent ; between 50 and 100 seconds is acceptable ; < 50 seconds is insufficient.
• Peak heat release rate (pHRR) – in kW/m² – A pHRR < 100 kW/m² is excellent ; between 100 and 300 kW/m² is acceptable ; > 300 kW/m² is insufficient.
• Total heat release (THR) – in MJ/m² – A THR < 10 MJ/m² is excellent ; between 10 and 30 MJ/m² is acceptable ; > 30 MJ/m² is insufficient.
• Flame spread index (FSI) – dimensionless – FSI < 25 is excellent (Class A) ; between 25 and 100 is acceptable (Class B) ; > 100 is insufficient (Class C).
• Ignition temperature – in °C – Auto‑ignition temperature > 400 °C is excellent ; between 300 and 400 °C is acceptable ; < 300 °C is insufficient.
• Statistics and uncertainties – For each series of tests (at least 5 specimens), we provide the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV) for each parameter. A CV < 10 % is considered excellent.

Regulatory Compliance and Certification – Supporting MOP, SEC and SERNAGEOMIN Requirements

Chile has a robust regulatory framework for fire safety, involving several institutions and technical standards:

• MOP – Ministry of Public Works – Sets standards for building materials and fire safety requirements for public buildings, tunnels, and infrastructure.
• SEC – Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels – Regulates the safety of electrical and electronic materials, including cable insulation and electronic enclosures.
• SERNAGEOMIN – National Geology and Mining Service – Establishes safety requirements for materials used in mining operations, including fire safety and ventilation.
• ISO 5660‑1 – Reaction‑to‑fire tests – Heat release, smoke production and mass loss rate – Part 1: Heat release rate (cone calorimeter method) – the international standard for cone calorimeter testing.
• ASTM E1354 – Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter – the North American standard for cone calorimeter testing.
• ISO 11925‑2 – Reaction to fire tests – Ignitability of building products – Part 2: Test method using a small flame – the international standard for ignitability testing.
• ASTM D1929 – Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics – the standard for ignition temperature testing.
• EN 13823 – Reaction to fire tests for building products – Single burning item test – the European standard for intermediate‑scale fire testing.
• NCh 935 – Fire safety – Reaction to fire – the Chilean standard for fire sensitivity testing.
• Application areas in Chile – High‑rise buildings, tunnels and underground structures, mining operations, transportation systems, and electrical and electronic equipment.

Advantages of Our Service for the Chilean Market

• ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation – guaranteeing the reliability, traceability, and international acceptance of our results.
• Bilingual reports (Spanish/English) – to facilitate submissions to Chilean authorities and international partners.
• Simulation of extreme climatic conditions – our tests integrate the effects of high temperatures (Atacama Desert), low temperatures (Patagonia and the Andes), high humidity (coastal and southern regions), and high altitude (Andean mines).
• Support for MOP, SEC and SERNAGEOMIN certification – our reports are directly usable for product certification, regulatory compliance, and fire safety design.
• Experience in key industrial sectors – our laboratory has extensive experience in the construction, mining, transportation, and energy sectors.
• Adapted turnaround times – we understand the logistical and commercial constraints of the Chilean market and are committed to delivering results within competitive timeframes.

Conclusion

Fire sensitivity research experiments are a fundamental tool for guaranteeing the safety of people and property in the event of a fire in Chile's diverse industrial and infrastructure environments. Our testing services, accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and compliant with the requirements of the MOP, the SEC, SERNAGEOMIN, and international standards, allow you to validate the fire sensitivity of your materials, optimise your selection, and ensure regulatory compliance. Whether you are a manufacturer, architect, fire safety engineer, mining operator, or regulatory authority, we accompany you in the mastery of fire sensitivity performance, from initial testing to final certification.