Did You Know The Importance Of Oxygen Index For Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam
Oxygen Index measures the flammability of materials, and specifically the ability of a material to support combustion in a controlled environment.
The Oxygen Index defines the minimum amount of oxygen needed in percentage for a material to maintain combustion following ASTM D2863, “Standard Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Oxygen Concentration to Support Candle-Like Combustion of Plastics (Oxygen Index)”.
- A higher oxygen index means that the material will require a higher concentration of oxygen to maintain combustion.
- A lower oxygen index indicates that the material will maintain combustion at a lower oxygen concentration.
The majority of Atlas' EPS foam products are formulated with fire retardants to meet industry fire safety requirements:
- ThermalStar insulation meets the minimum oxygen index requirement of 24% within ASTM C578.
- Elevation® Geofoam must meet the minimum oxygen index requirement of 24% within ASTM D6817.
It is interesting to understand that our atmospheric air contains about 21% Oxygen.
The Oxygen Index is a critical parameter in evaluating the fire safety performance of EPS foam. Producing EPS foam that complies with ASTM C578 and ASTM D6817 oxygen index requirements ensures customers that EPS foam contains an appropriate level of fire retardant to reduce combustibility since EPS is a combustible material.
In addition to ASTM C578 and ASTM D6817, there are additional fire performance requirements within the International Codes that must be considered when EPS foam is used in building applications.