Sorption/desorption,diffusion, and swelling characteristics of geomembranes in the presence of halo‐organic liquids

Sorption/desorption results of halogen‐containing liquids into high‐density polyethylene, linear low‐density polyethylene, very low‐density polyethylene, and polypropylene geomembranes are presented at 25, 50, and 70°C. Sorption results are obtained by a gravimetric method, and diffusion coefficients have been calculated by using Fick's equation from the initial linear portions of the sorption/desorption curves. Swelling of the geomembranes was studied from a measurement of the increase in volume, thickness, and diameter. From a temperature dependence of sorption and diffusion coefficients, the Arrhenius parameters have been calculated. Liquid concentration profiles have been computed using Fick's equation for the appropriate initial and boundary conditions. The results of this study may have relevance in selecting the suitable geomembrane for a specific application in hazardous waste chemical ponds and other similar situations.