• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.39-44
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• 2006

The resistance of flexible PVC geomembranes to leachate chemicals is an important factor when PVC geomembranes are being considered as a barrier layer in a composite liner system. This paper describes laboratory test results that evaluate the chemical compatibility of a 0.76 mm (30 mil) thick flexible PVC geomembrane exposed to a synthetic municipal solid waste (MSW) leachate. Changes in dimensional, physical, and mechanical properties were measured after exposure to the synthetic MSW leachate at $23^{\circ}C$ and $50^{\circ}C$ for 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. Although some variability of the test results is observed due to experimental factors and product variability, the synthetic MSW leachate did not significantly degrade the physical or mechanical properties of the flexible PVC geomembrane. As a result, this paper will conclude the PVC geomembranes are not adversely affected by the synthetic MSW leachate.