• Geomembrane Explained

Waterproof, weatherproof, and durable: Geomembranes are made from impermeable geosynthetic material consisting of thin continuous sheets of polymers. A group within the Geosynthetic products, Geomembranes, are used to create a barricade that prevents the leakage of harmful contaminants or dangerous chemicals to surrounding environments.

Geomembranes have a wide range of liners and cover applications in industries such as mining, marine, civil, water treatment and transportation. They act as liners and covers to control seepage, creating a barrier between fluid and the structure.

WHY CHOOSE E1510 GEOMEMBRANE FROM RICKY?

E1510 is an ethylene interpolymer alloy (EIA) Geomembrane, available in Australia from Ricky Richards. EIA Geomembranes are a class of coated textiles like PVC, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and reinforced polypropylene (RPP). Like RPP, EIA Geomembranes are made by applying a polymer-formulated coating to a base fabric, the EIA coating differs from others as it is formulated by alloying PVC with DuPont Elvaloy.

Elvaloy is a large molecule, that is solid rather than a liquid and has a dipole moment, this is the magnitude of the charge and the distance between the centers of the positive and negative charges. Since PVC also has a dipole moment, the two have an attraction to one another, creating a strong bond. As a result of these properties, it is essentially impossible to remove the Elvaloy from the matrix (or alloy) that it creates with PVC. The final alloyed EIA coating has outstanding UV, heat, and chemical resistance, making it the most durable geomembrane on the market today.

CHLORINE RESISTANCE

In the highly oxidative environments of water and wastewater treatment facilities, superior chlorine resistance is a must when it comes to liners. Not all geomembranes fare well in this environment.

Reinforced polypropylene geomembranes, for instance, have been used in these applications (lagoon/tank liner, floating cover, and baffle/curtain) with disastrous results. When polypropylene is exposed to chlorine, the chlorine attacks the free alkyl group, degrading the propylene polymer chain.

EIA-based geomembranes, on the other hand, have demonstrated excellent resistance to chlorine (and chloramines). PVC itself has good chlorine resistance; the resistance is enhanced by encapsulation with Elvaloy.

Interested in learning more about Geomembranes or need a solution for your next project? Contact the Ricky sales team today on 02 9735 3333 or email via: sales@rickyrichards.com.au