Sorption/desorption, diffusion, permeation and swelling of high density polyethylene geomembrane in the presence of hazardous organic liquids

The laboratory findings on sorption and desorption of 14 organic Liquids in to high density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes are presented at 25, 50 an d 70 degrees C. The values of diffusion and permeation coefficients have be en calculated using these data. Swelling of the HDPE geomembrane was studie d by monitoring its increase in thickness and diameter and thereby calculat ing the increase in volume. From a temperature dependence of sorption, diff usion and permeation coefficients, the Arrhenius parameters have been calcu lated. From the sorption data, the concentration profiles of Liquids inside the HDPE by solving Fick's diffusion equation under the appropriate initia l and boundary conditions. Results of this research may have relevance in t he application of HDPE geomembrane in the hazardous waste environment conta ining the solvents used in this research. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.