Chemical Resistivity of Very Low Density Polyethylene Geomembranes - Sorption/Desorption, Diffusion and Swelling

Abstract

The chemical resistivity testing of very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) geomembranes is important in view of their applications in hazardous waste sites. We present here some useful experimental data on the sorption, desorption, diffusion and swelling of VLDPE with 14 organic liquids at 25, 50 and 70°C. Sorption results were obtained by a gravimetric method, and diffusion coefficients have been calculated using Fick's equation from the initial linear portions of the sorption/desorption curves. Swelling was studied by the measurement of increases in volume, thickness and diameter of the VLDPE geomembrane. The Arrhenius activation parameters have been calculated from the temperature dependence of sorption and diffusion coefficients. Liquid concentration profiles were also calculated from Fick's equation under appropriate initial and boundary conditions. The results of this study may be useful for the application of VLDPE geomembranes in hazardous waste chemical ponds.