Are you comparing geomembranes for your next geosynthetic application? Don’t overlook geomembrane made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE has been in use for decades, and numerous studies have been conducted to test its longevity and ability to meet the requirements of environmental sustainability projects. Here, we look at some of those studies to see how HDPE stacks up against other geomembranes like polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
How Does HDPE Differ From PVC and Other Geomembranes?
An HDPE geomembrane is preferred over other materials as a waterproofing liner due to its minor economic and operational advantages. Economically, HDPE geomembrane is superior due to its relatively simple manufacturing process, which has increased supply while keeping prices low in comparison to other types of geomembranes. Growing competence in the material’s use promotes its market dominance and economic edge over competing products as more design engineers become acquainted with it.
Table 1 shows the various types of geomembranes and their approximate weight percentage formulations.
| TYPE | RESIN | PLASTICIZER | FILLERS | CARBON BLACK | ADDITIVES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | 95-98% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 2-3% | 0.25-1% |
| LLDPE | 94-96% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 2-3% | 0.25-3% |
| FPP | 85-98% | 0.00% | 0-13% | 2-4% | 0.25-2% |
| PVC | 50-70% | 25-35% | 0-10% | 2-5% | 2-5% |
| CSPE | 40-60% | 0.00% | 40-50% | 5-10% | 5-15% |
| EPDM | 25-30% | 0.00% | 20-40% | 20-40 | 1-5% |
Second, because of its physical properties, HDPE has been popular (See Table 1). While PVC and HDPE tests show very few practical differences, HDPE outperforms PVC and other geomembranes in areas such as resistance to folding damage and dynamic impact. Furthermore, the material is a chemically inert polyolefin that can maintain long-term integrity and durability. Because of these characteristics, HDPE geomembranes are a popular choice for waterproofing and sealing landfills and other containment applications.
HDPE geomembrane can also be manufactured with additives to enhance specific properties.
How Does HDPE Geomembrane Aid in Environmental Sustainability?
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When compared to other geomembranes, HDPE has the longest theoretical unexposed service life, lasting more than 100 years. Because of its long service life, HDPE is an effective tool for environmental sustainability efforts such as landfill closure.
In the case of the exposed liner, one study found that an HDPE geomembrane exposed to ultraviolet radiation and wastewater for ten years showed no significant change in physical properties (e.g., tensile, tear, puncture, and carbon black). The only difference observed was in tensile elongation and melt index, both of which are thought to be caused by UV-induced material cross-linking. However, sunlight exposure over a 10-year period had little effect on the majority of the material’s properties, making it nearly indistinguishable from a newly manufactured sample (3).
The study demonstrates the HDPE geomembrane’s capable role in environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it implies that today’s HDPE can be expected to perform better due to technological advances in resin stabilization and sheet manufacturing techniques.
HDPE Geomembranes as a Closure Material
Looking for the best closure solution for your next environmental project? Don’t overlook HDPE geomembrane’s economic and operational benefits.
Contact Singhal Industries Private Limited, one of Asia’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of HDPE geomembrane, if you have any questions. With a wide range of HDPE product solutions such as textured, black and white, drainage, and flexible liners, Singhal can handle any project.
