Chemical compatibility testing of linear low density polyethylene geomembrane - Sorption/desorption, diffusion and swelling studies in the presence of organic liquids

Chemical compatibility testing of linear low density polyethylene geomembra ne (LLDPE) has been studied from a measurement of sorption/desorption and d iffusion for 14 organic liquids at 25, 50 and 70 degrees C. Sorption result s are obtained by a gravimetric method and diffusion coefficients have been calculated from Fick's equation for the initial linear data points of the time-dependent sorption/desorption curves. Permeability coefficients have b een calculated from the diffusion and sorption values. Swelling was studied by measuring the increase in thickness, diameter and thereby calculating t he volume dilation of the geomembrane. From the temperature dependence of s orption and diffusion coefficients, the Arrhenius activation parameters hav e been calculated. Liquid concentration profiles have also been calculated theoretically from a solution of the Fick's equation under appropriate init ial and boundary conditions. Results of this study are discussed to find th e possible application of the LLDPE for a specific hazardous site involving exposure to the chosen liquids.