Abstract
This paper presents results describing the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties (melt flow index - MFI and oxidative induction time - OIT) of high density polyethylene and poly (vinyl chloride) after weathering exposure (6, 12, 18, and 30 months). The materials exposed were geomembranes of two thicknesses: 1.0 and 2.0 mm (PVC) and 0.8 and 2.5 mm (HDPE). The climate parameters (average) obtained were 25 ºC (temperature), 93 mm (precipitation), 66% (relative humidity), and 19 MJ/m².day (intensity of global radiation). Some results showed, for instance, that the behavior of the geomembranes changed after the exposures. A few minor variations in physical properties occurred. The density and thickness, for instance, varied 0.5-1.0% (average) for both the PVC and HDPE geomembranes. The mechanical properties changed as a function of the period of exposure. In general, some decreases were verified by the deformation of PVC. The samples became more rigid. In contrast, HDPE geomembranes became more ductile. Despite the variations in elasticity, some increases in deformability were verified. An MFI test showed some degradation in HDPE geomembranes. OIT tests revealed small values for both intact and exposed samples.
Highlights
Geomembranes (GM) are essentially impermeable membranes that are widely used in many civil and environmental applications
This paper presents the results of physical, tensile, puncture, tear, MFI, and oxidative induction time (OIT) tests conducted on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PVC geomembranes that were exposed to weathering for 6, 12, 18, and 30 months
Physical and mechanical tests on HDPE and PVC geomembranes were conducted, and the results were compared with fresh samples
Summary
Geomembranes (GM) are essentially impermeable membranes (synthetic materials are called geosynthetics) that are widely used in many civil and environmental applications. In high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes, for instance, oxidation degradation may occur, in which the molecular chains are cut off. The molecular chains maintain the degradation process This process results in a totally changed molecular structure, a decrease in mechanical resistance, and initiation of the. The most important concern when studying oxidation degradation is how it affects the mechanical properties of the material. Materials Research applications such as those involving canals, dams, and reservoirs is very important for evaluating the effects of outdoor exposure[2,3,4]. This paper presents the results of physical, tensile, puncture, tear, MFI, and OIT tests conducted on HDPE and PVC geomembranes that were exposed to weathering (solar radiation, humidity, wind, rain) for 6, 12, 18, and 30 months
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