The First Pan American Geosynthetics Conference & Exhibition

2-5 March 2008, Cancun, Mexico

Degradation of Geomembrane after Weathering Exposure

P.C. Lodi, Department of Civil Engineering at So Paulo State University, Unesp, Ilha Solteira, Brazil
B.S. Bueno, So Carlos School Engineering, University of State of So Paulo, USP, So Carlos, Brazil
C.L. M., Costa, Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Center of Technology Education, Macei, Brazil
J .G. Zornberg, Civil Engineering Department-GEO, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA


ABSTRACT
This paper presents results of physical and mechanical tests of PVC and HDPE geomembranes that were exposed to
weathering (solar radiation, humidity, wind, rain) after 6, 12, 18, 30, and 84 months under specific exposure conditions.
Geomembranes of two thicknesses 1.0 and 2.0 mm (PVC) and 0.8 and 2.5 mm (HDPE). The weathering degradation
of the geomembranes was evaluated according to ASTM D1435. The results showed that the geomembranes reacted
differently to the exposure. In general, the mechanical properties varied for both PVC and HDPE geomembranes.
Results of puncture and tear tests showed some increases with aging. Some decreases were verified in the deformation
of PVC and HDPE when submitted to weathering after the final period.



1. INTRODUCTION

In some geotechnical applications a geomembrane may be exposed for varying periods. In spite of the many advantages
of geomembranes, they can degrade when in contact with sunlight. Sharma & Lewis (1994) report that geomembranes
exposed outdoors may degrade and crack under prolonged exposure.

Ultraviolet radiation and elevated temperatures are very harmful to all geosynthetics. In HDPE geomembranes, for
instance, oxidation degradation may occur, cutting off the molecular chains. If oxidation starts, the molecular chains
continue the degradation process. This process results in a totally changed molecular structure,, a decrease in
mechanical resistance, and stress cracking. In PVC geomembranes a loss of plasticizers and volatiles may occur,
resulting in decreased elongation and increased brittleness. To increase the geomembranes resistance,, antioxidant
agents and UV stabilizers are added during manufacturing.

Since in many applications the duration and intensity of exposure must be taken into account, evaluating the effects of
outdoor exposure is very important. Accelerated laboratory tests may be used in accordance with regulations to establish
relations between outdoor and laboratory tests. This is an important aspect in evaluating the durability of geosynthetics in
outdoor applications.

This paper describes the effects of puncture and tear tests on the physical and tensile properties of HDPE and PVC
geomembranes that were exposed to weathering (solar radiation, humidity, wind, and rain) after 6, 12, 18, 30, and 84
months (0,5, 1, 1.5, 2.5, and 7 years).


2. WEATHERING, AGING, AND UV RADIATION

Outdoor conditions may cause drastic variations in the properties of geosynthetic material due to the effects of
temperature and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When this occurs, the degradation of polymers due to weathering manifests
itself in many physical and chemical changes. These processes may occur at the same time but not at the same rate. It
is difficult to evaluate plastic materials when dealing with weathering factors. The effects on the exposed material must
be taken as indicative only and results of short-term exposure tests can provide an indication of relative outdoor
performance.

Haxo and Nelson (1984) summarized the weathering factors affecting durability as follows: solar radiation, temperature
(elevated, depressed, and cycles and fluctuations), water (solid, liquid, and vapor), and normal air constituents (oxygen
and ozone).

Pierson et al. (1993) assessed the thermal behavior of geomembranes exposed to solar radiation, which induces
problems (such as wrinkles) and even flaws at the construction stage when the geomembrane is still uncovered by
waste. Temperatures may reach 80C in black exposed geomembranes. Such temperatures acting on material with high
coefficients of thermal expansion cause wrinkles over the entire exposed surface of the geomembrane. It was proven
that a white coating applied to the surface of the membrane considerably reduces the overheating of the material. The
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use of a geotextile over a black geomembrane only delays the overheating, so this is not an appropriate means of
eliminating long-term overheating.

Natural weathering tests are carried out by exposing the specimen on a suitable inert frame with a specific slope and
orientation with the north axis. ASTM standards have been used as a guide in the USA and South America. After some
periods of exposure, samples are taken and tensile properties are measured. Loss of these properties is taken as a
measure of degradation. The time of exposure depends upon the purposes of the research. Another commonly used
parameter common is global radiation from the sun. This parameter is very important in correlations with laboratory tests
in that the weathering devices have been developed to accelerate weathering tests. This apparatus reproduces the
spectrum of natural sun in the UV region that is very important in the aging process when dealing with polymers.

Ultraviolet radiation affects uncovered materials and can be damaging during the installation of the liner and before the
placement of the waste. When geosynthetics are exposed to the combined influence of sunlight, rain, temperature, and
oxygen, UV degradation can arise and the type of aging is caused by the UV content of the sunlight. Each material is
sensitive to a particular wavelength (i.e. polyethylene =300 nm, polyester =325 nm, and polypropylene =370 nm). The
rate of aging is also determined by the temperature and humidity. The degradation mechanism is molecular bond
scission (in the primary polymers backbone) created by the sensitive wavelength within the molecular structure.
Ultraviolet light causes material embrittlement and depending on the intensity of the radiation may induce cracks.
Generally, degradation is noticed as a change in color and as variations in the physical properties: surface cracking and
reduction of impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation (van Santvoort, 1994; Reddy & Buttul, 1998).

A way to prevent UV degradation in PVC and HDPE geomembranas is to include some additives such as carbon black
and antioxidants. Carbon black is added to a geomembrane formulation mainly for ultraviolet light stabilization. The
loading range of carbon black in geomembranes is typically 5 to 10% (PVC) and 2 to 3% (HDPE). Antioxidants are
introduced to prevent oxidation during extrusion and to ensure long-term service life of the product. In practice, a
stabilization package is often used (Fayoux et al., 1993; van Santvoort, 1994; Sharma & Lewis, 1994; Koerner, 1998 and
Suits & Hsuan, 2003). Some researchers (Koerner, 1998 and Reddy & Butul, 1998) say that a good way to prevent
ultraviolet damage is to keep a minimum layer (15 cm) of soil, waste, or gravel over the liner so that light cannot
penetrate the material.


3. MATERIAL AND METHODS

The weathering degradation of geomembranes was evaluated according to ASTM D1435. To achieve natural aging of
the samples from the effects of weather, a panel was built and located in the east-west axis. The samples are located in
that way so that they receive the direct incidence of the sun for the entire day. Figure 1 show samples exposed to
weathering. The exposure site is at the following geographical coordinates: 20 22' S and Longitude: 51 22' W. The
altitude is 335 meters. Climate conditions were monitored with a microdatalogger CR-23X. The medium values obtained
were 25C (temperature), 1313 mm (precipitation), 61% (relative humidity) and 19 MJ /m
2
.day (intensity of global
radiation).

Geomembranes of two thicknesses were tested: 1.0, 2.0 mm (PVC) and 0.8, 2.5 mm (HDPE). The aging agents included
solar radiation, humidity, wind, and rain after 6, 12, 18, 30, and 84 months (0,5, 1, 1.5, 2.5, and 7 years). Physical and
mechanical tests in PVC and HDPE geomembranes were evaluated and compared to intact material. Tests were carried
out according to ASTM standards: ASTM D5199 (Measuring Nominal Thickness of Geotextiles and Geomembranes),
ASTM D3776 (Mass Per Unit Area), ASTM D792 (Specific Gravity and Density of Plastics by Displacement), ASTM
D638 (Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics), ASTM D4833 (Test Method for Index Puncture
Resistance of Geotextiles, Geomembranes and Related Products), and ASTM D1004 (Test Method for Initial Tear
Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting).










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Figure 1. HDPE and PVC geomembrane samples exposed to weathering.


4. TESTS RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

Tests results of intact and exposed samples are presented in Tables 1 to 5. Tensile properties variations are presented
in Figures 2 and 3. Tear and puncture resistances are presented in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.


Table 1. Tensile resistance.

Geomembrane Intact 6 months 12 months 18 months 30 months 84 months
Cv Cv Cv Cv Cv Cv
(MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%)
PVC 1L 18 2,5 18 2,5 18 2,7 15 1,7 17 0,6 17 0,3
PVC 1T 16 0,9 15 3,2 16 0,9 18 2,1 14,7 0,2 19 0,3
PVC 2L 17 0,7 16 5,9 17 0,7 16 0,5 16 0,8 18 1,0
PVC 2T 15 2,4 13 4,5 15 2,4 17 0,8 15 1,9 17 0,5
HDPE* 0,8L 19 2,1 19 6,1 18 5,0 16 1,5 19 1,7 20 0,4
HDPE 0,8T 20 2,9 19 8,2 17 2,3 17 8,0 19 3,8 20 0,4
HDPE 2,5L 19 5,7 20 7,4 21 5,7 20 4,3 19 1,7 21 0,6
HDPE 2,5T 20 3,8 22 7,7 20 3,2 20 3,6 19 0,5 21 0,9



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Table 2. Deformability.

Geomembrane Intact 6 months 12 months 18 months 30 months 84 months
Cv Cv Cv Cv Cv Cv
(%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
PVC 1L 479 3,3 486 2,9 459 6,7 425 3,9 460 1,3 307 0,5
PVC 1T 520 2,1 455 6,7 520 2,1 441 1,9 478 1,3 350 0,6
PVC 2L 508 1,9 487 0,1 508 2,0 477 2,8 485 0,8 403 0,7
PVC 2T 496 2,1 462 6,7 496 2,1 467 0,9 486 3,8 446 11,3
HDPE* 0,8L 17 2,1 17 6,1 15 5,0 15 1,5 17 7,5 15 1,0
HDPE 0,8T 16 2,9 15 8,2 13 2,3 15 8,0 16 3,8 13 0,7
HDPE 2,5L 14 5,7 16 7,4 17 5,7 15,5 4,3 19 1,7 14 0,3
HDPE 2,5T 15 3,8 16 7,7 15 3,2 15,5 3,6 17,5 3,5 14 0,5

Table 3. Elasticity modulus.

Geomembrane Intact 6 months 12 months 18 months 30 months 84 months
E Cv E Cv E Cv E Cv E Cv E Cv
(MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%) (MPa) (%)
PVC 1L 7,2 1,6 7,2 1,5 7,8 9,3 8,7 1,1 7,4 1,5 28 0,2
PVC 1T 6,6 2,3 7,0 2,9 6,6 2,3 8,4 1,3 7,7 1,0 18,6 1,0
PVC 2L 5,9 3,1 6,0 0,3 5,9 3,1 7,3 1,6 6,3 1,2 12 1,3
PVC 2T 6,3 2,1 6,0 3,4 6,3 2,1 7,7 2,7 6,1 1,9 11,3 1,3
HDPE* 0,8L 332 18,9 441 6,3 493 1,9 463 1,5 434 7,5 527 0,8
HDPE 0,8T 330 17,7 484 0,7 564 1,7 554 1,2 473 3,7 600 1,0
HDPE 2,5L 406 10,2 422 1,1 378 16,7 408 6,0 373 12,4 484 1,2
HDPE 2,5T 381 10,7 462 5,6 446 0,9 366 12,7 332 6,0 484 0,3

Table 4. Results of tear tests.

Geomembrane Intact 6 months 12 months 18 months 30 months 84 months
F Cv F Cv F Cv F Cv F Cv F Cv
(N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%)
PVC 1L 53 4,6 44 2,5 53 2,0 57 3,8 55 2,1 53 1,0
PVC 1T 50 1,4 54 1,4 55 6,4 52 0,8 58 5,1 53 3,0
PVC 2L 92 2,6 96 2,0 102 2,0 104 5,0 105 4,7 100 2,0
PVC 2T 95 1,9 103 1,8 111 2,1 102 2,2 106 4,0 97 2,5
HDPE* 0,8L 126 1,7 141 2,4 133 0,8 127 2,8 137 1,6 107 2,2
HDPE 0,8T 129 2,4 134 1,3 147 2,8 129 3,1 137 0,6 115 2,0
HDPE 2,5L 338 2,9 450 1,3 464 6,4 451 3,6 385 1,0 363 1,3
HDPE 2,5T 344 2,2 435 3,7 481 3,6 439 1,3 399 0,4 387 2,2

* Values observed at yielding; CV =Coefficient of variation; L =longitudinal direction; T =transversal direction

Table 5. Results of punction tests.

Geomembrane Intact 6 months 12 months 18 months 30 months 84 months
F Cv F Cv F Cv F Cv F Cv F Cv
(N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%) (N) (%)
PVC 1 mm 266 2,4 356,3 3,7 377 1,9 378 4,7 362 1,4 383 1,0
PVC 2 mm 504 1,7 625 1,4 630 1,3 607 3,8 549 1,1 633 0,5
HDPE 0,8mm 389 1,8 431,4 1,8 402 2,5 404 2,9 370 4,4 419 0,6
HDPE 2,5 mm 911 1,3 946,5 1,0 960 0,9 949 0,1 861 0,3 960 0,7



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Tensile Resistance
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
6 12 18 30 84
Time (months)
T
e
n
s
i
l
e

R
e
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e
(
%
)
Intact
HDPE 0.8 L
HDPE 0.8 T
HDPE 2.5 L
HDPE 2.5 T


Deformation
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
6 12 18 30 84
Time (months)
D
e
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

(
%
)
Intact
HDPE 0.8 L
HDPE 0.8 T
HDPE 2.5 L
HDPE 2.5 T


Elasticity Modulus
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
6 12 18 30 84
Time(months)
E
l
a
s
t
i
c
i
t
y

M
o
d
u
l
u
s

(
%
)
Intact
HDPE 0.8 L
HDPE 0.8 T
HDPE 2.5 L
HDPE 2.5 T


Figure 2. Tensile properties (HDPE).

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Tensile Resistance
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
6 12 18 30 84
Time (months)
T
e
n
s
i
l
e

R
e
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e

(
%
)
Intact
PVC 1 L
PVC 1 T
PVC 2 L
PVC 2 T


Deformation
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
6 12 18 30 84
Time (months)
D
e
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

(
%
)
Intact
PVC 1 L
PVC 1 T
PVC 2 L
PVC 2 T


Elasticity Modulus
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
6 12 18 30 84
Time (months)
E
l
a
s
t
i
c
i
t
y

M
o
d
u
l
u
s

(
%
)
Intact
PVC 1 L
PVC 1 T
PVC 2 L
PVC 2 T



Figure 3. Tensile properties (PVC).
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Physical properties showed small variations (0,5% - density, thickness, and mass per unit area). Our results showed
some variations in both PVC and HDPE geomembranes after the periods of exposure. After the first periods (6 and 12
months) PVC geomembranes showed changes including alterations in tensile resistance, loss of deformation, and
increases in stiffness. After the last period, increases in deformation and elasticity were very evident for PVC
geomembranes (1,0 mm thickness were more affected). The samples became more rigid and stiffer than fresh samples.
HDPE geomembranes showed some variations occurring in deformation, which were more significant after 30 months.
By this time HDPE geomembranes showed increases in deformation and some oscillations in elasticity. The behavior
was characteristic of a ductile material. However, after the last period HDPE showed an inverse behavior: the samples
showed some increases in elasticity modulus and decreases in deformation.


Tear Resistance
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
6 12 18 30 84
Time (months)
T
e
a
r

R
e
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e

(
%
)
Intact
HDPE 0.8 L
HDPE 0.8 T
HDPE 2.5 L
HDPE 2.5 T


Tear Resistance
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
6 12 18 30 84
Ti me (mont hs)
T
e
a
r

R
e
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e

(
%
)
Intact
PVC 1 L
PVC 1 T
PVC 2 L
PVC 2 T


Figure 4. Tear resistance.

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Puncture Resistance
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
6 12 18 30 84
Time (mont hs)
P
u
n
c
t
u
r
e

R
e
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e

(
%
)
Intact
PVC 1
PVC 2
HDPE 0.8
HDPE 2.5


Figure 5. Puncture resistance.

Tear resistance showed some variations for both PVC and HDPE geomembranes. The PVC geomembranes showed a
few minor changes in all periods. Increases in tear resistance were noted but these values were not greater than 20%.
The variations in HDPE geomembranes were more significant than in PVC. Variations were nearer a 40% increase at 12
months. After 18 months the samples showed relevant variations but some decrease occurred at the last period.
Interestingly, the thickest geomembranes showed the highest variations.

It appears that puncture resistance does not suffer relevant variations in the HDPE geomembranes after exposure. On
the other hand, PVC geomembranes showed significant variations for the smallest thickness. Increases in puncture
resistance were greater than 40% after the last period.


5. CONCLUSIONS

Results of physical and mechanical properties in HDPE and PVC geomembranes that were exposed to weathering after
6, 12, 18, 30, and 84 months were presented. In general, a few minor changes in physical properties were noted.
Mechanical properties presented different behaviors during the periods of exposure. Results of puncture and tear tests
showed some increases with aging. Tear resistance in HDPE geomembranes showed more significant increases than in
PVC geomembranes.. However, puncture resistance suffered increases more relevant mainly in smallest thickness.
Some decreases were verified in the deformation of PVC and HDPE when submitted to weathering after the final period.
PVC geomembranes showed significant declines in elasticity after 7 years of exposure. The samples became more rigid
than the fresh samples.


REFERENCES

ASTM D638. Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics, American Society for Testing and Materials, West
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA.
ASTM D792. Specific Gravity and Density of Plastics by Displacement, American Society for Testing and Materials, West
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA.
ASTM D1004. Test Method for Initial Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting, American Society for Testing and
Materials, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA.
ASTM D3776. Mass per Unit Area, American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania,
ASTM D4833. Test Method for Index Puncture Resistance of Geotextiles, Geomembranes and Related Products,
American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA.
ASTM D5199. Measuring Nominal Thickness of Geotextiles and Geomembranes, American Society for Testing and
Materials, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA.
Haxo, H., & Nelson, N. (1984) - Factors in the Durability of Polymeric Membrane Liners, International Conference on
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Fayoux, D, Gousse, F., and Rummens, F. (1993). Assessment of a PVC Geomembrane in a Landfill After Ten Years,
Proceedings Sardina 93, pp. 369-378.
688

Koerner, R.M. (1998). Designing with Geosynthetics, 4rd Ed. Prentice Hall Publ. Co., Englewood Cliffs.
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