Assessment of chemical resistance of polyester and polypropylene geosynthetics in an aggressive environment
Assessment of chemical resistance of polyester and polypropylene geosynthetics in an aggressive environment
In aggressive soil reinforcement applications, geosynthetics are exposed to chemical agents that can alter their properties and reduce their mechanical performances. An accelerated aging test was conducted to explore the degradation mechanisms of geosynthetics in acidic environments and enhance the understanding of their durability. This study investigates the effects of varying concentrations of sulfuric acid (0.8 mol/L, 1.9 mol/L, and 3.1 mol/L) on a polyester geotextile and a polypropylene geogrid after one month at 80°C. Density changes were measured using a gas pycnometer, and surface morphology was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, while mechanical behavior was assessed through tensile testing. Results indicated a slight increase in the geotextile's tensile strength and a significant decrease in the geogrid's strength. Despite these changes, both materials showed substantial resistance to chemical degradation at low strains, with minimal variation in density and no surface alteration observed microscopically.
Naga Linda; Lynda Djerbal; Chikhaoui Mouhamed
18th African Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ARCSMGE2024)
Environmental geotechnics
Contact Information
- Secretary General - Dr A M McNamara
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 20 7040 8154
- City, University of London
- Northampton Square
- London EC1V 0HB. United Kingdom