ISO 30021:2013

Overview

ISO 30021:2013 - Plastics - Burning behaviour - Intermediate-scale fire-resistance testing of fibre-reinforced polymer composites - specifies a standardized method to evaluate the fire resistance of non-load-bearing separating elements made from fibre‑reinforced plastics (FRP) when exposed to heating on one face. The method addresses intermediate‑scale specimens smaller than full‑scale ISO 834‑1 furnaces (typical test panels ~1.5 m × 1.5 m or at least 1000 ± 30 mm each side) and is tailored to products such as transportation fire barriers, sandwich panels and flat FRP construction panels with stiffening members.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Tests non‑load‑bearing, essentially flat FRP separating elements representative of end‑use conditions (including stiffeners and insulation).
• Specimen dimensions and number: Typical vertical/horizontal specimens about 1.5 m by 1.5 m; minimum dimensions ~1000 mm. One specimen for symmetrical constructions; two where exposure from either side is required.
• Mounting frame and linings: Frame must be non‑combustible (steel or concrete). Linings in contact with specimen should be non‑combustible (e.g., calcium silicate board, min. 50 mm thickness, oven‑dry density ~950 ± 100 kg/m3).
• Instrumentation and measurement: Plate thermometers per ISO 834‑12 for furnace control; thermocouples on the unexposed surface at the centre and each quarter of the panel; additional points if insulation or joints are present.
• Preconditioning and test environment: Specimens conditioned at 23 ± 2 °C and 50–75% RH for at least 24 h. Test room temperature 15–35 °C and 45–75% RH.
• Test procedure: Exposure follows the ISO 834‑12 time‑temperature curve or applicable EN 1363‑2 curves; test start is defined when furnace temperature rise begins. No mechanical loading is applied.
• Insulation and joints: Insulation used in end‑use must be mounted as in service, with representative vertical/horizontal joints included.
• Safety: Explicit caution about toxic smoke, hazardous gases and mechanical risks - safety assessment, written instructions and training required.

Practical applications

• Assessing fire performance of transportation fire barriers in ships, rail cars, aircraft and road vehicles.
• Evaluating sandwich panels, partition panels and flat FRP elements that are smaller than full‑scale test specimens.
• Supporting product certification, regulatory compliance, fire‑safety design and material selection for FRP components.

Who uses this standard

• FRP manufacturers and composite fabricators
• Fire‑test laboratories and certification bodies
• Marine, rail and vehicle designers and regulatory authorities
• Fire safety engineers and materials researchers

Related standards

• ISO 834‑1, ISO 834‑12 (basis for time‑temperature exposure)
• EN 1363‑2 (alternative time‑temperature curves)
• ISO 472, ISO 13943 (vocabulary)
• ISO 10295‑1 (related to penetration seals)

Keywords: ISO 30021:2013, FRP fire resistance, intermediate‑scale fire testing, fibre‑reinforced polymer composites, transportation fire barriers, ISO 834‑12, EN 1363‑2.