ABSTRACT
This study investigates the resulting changes in the properties of a high-density polyethylene geomembrane (HDPE GMB) subjected to an accelerated UV (ultraviolet) ageing test. A commercially available GMB having a nominal thickness of 1.5 mm was exposed to UV radiation for varying durations for three years using an Atlas make UV weatherometer. Properties including thickness, density, melt flow index, tensile behaviour, oxidative induction time (OIT), crystallinity and microstructural changes using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were studied. The results showed that the thickness of GMB was not affected by UV radiation. However, density and melt flow index of the GMB showed a significant variation. At the end of 26095 hours of exposure, OIT was reduced by more than half the value of the initial OIT. The degradation by cross-linking was verified from FTIR spectra which showed an increased crystalline content against the ageing time.
