Ageing of HDPE geomembrane exposed to air, water and leachate at different temperatures

Abstract

The latest findings regarding the long-term performance and service life of HDPE geomembrane (GM) samples exposed to air, water and leachate are presented based on data from samples that have been ageing for 8–10 years. Some of the GM samples are in Stage II, some in Stage III and some have completed all three stages of the service life. The paper provides: (1) improved data on antioxidant depletion rates for GMs immersed in air, water and leachate; (2) estimates of antioxidant depletion time (Stage I) at typical liner temperatures in air, water and leachate and, based on this data, an estimate for a composite liner at typical liner temperatures; (3) data regarding the changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the GM samples with time; (4) a surface analysis of virgin and aged GMs; (5) an initial estimate of the induction time (Stage II) and polymer degradation time (Stage III) and service lives of GM in laboratory immersion tests; and (6) predictions of the service life of leachate immersed GM at typical landfill temperatures. Based on these predictions, it appears likely that the service life of the specific GM tested immersed in leachate is likely to exceed 700 years and will probably be of the order of 1000 years (or longer) at 20 °C, more than 150 years and likely 225–375 years at 35 °C and more than 40 years and likely 50–90 years at 50 °C. The service life in a liner configuration may be expected to be longer than predicted here for immersion in leachate.