Chemical compatibility testing of geomembranes is a key step in evaluating the performance and durability of geomembranes when exposed to specific chemical environments. These tests can help determine whether a geomembrane is suitable for use in an environment containing chemicals. Here are some common methods for testing the chemical compatibility of geomembranes:

1. Immersion Test
Purpose: To evaluate the durability of geomembranes in specific chemicals.
Method: Soak a geomembrane sample in the chemical solution to be tested for a specific period of time. After the test, measure the changes in the mechanical properties of the geomembrane (such as tensile strength, elongation, weight change, etc.).
2. Environmental Stress Cracking (ESCR) Test
Purpose: To evaluate the stress cracking resistance of geomembranes in chemical environments.
Method: A constant load is applied to a pre-scored geomembrane sample and placed in a chemical solution, and the time when the sample cracks or fails is recorded.
3. Oxidation Induction Time (OIT) Test
Purpose: To measure the resistance of geomembranes to oxidative degradation.
Method: Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), heat the geomembrane sample in an oxygen-rich environment and record the time when oxidation begins.
4. Accelerated Aging Test
Purpose: To predict the durability of geomembranes under long-term chemical exposure.
Method: To expose samples to high temperature and chemical environments for long periods of time and then evaluate changes in their physical and mechanical properties.
5. Permeation Test
Purpose: To evaluate the rate of chemical penetration through geomembranes.
Method: One side of the geomembrane is exposed to a chemical solution and the rate of chemical penetration through the membrane is measured.
6. Swelling and Solubility Test
Purpose: To evaluate the dimensional stability and integrity of geomembranes in the presence of chemicals.
Method: Samples are immersed in chemical solutions and changes in size, weight, and appearance are measured.
7. Tensile Strength and Elongation Test
Purpose: To evaluate the mechanical properties of geomembranes after chemical exposure.
Method: The tensile strength and elongation at break of the samples are measured before and after chemical exposure to evaluate changes in properties.
8. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Analysis
Purpose: To detect chemical changes in the polymer structure of geomembranes after exposure to chemicals.
Method: Analyze geomembranes using FTIR to detect changes in chemical composition or the presence of degradation products.
9. Leachate resistance test
Purpose: To simulate the leachate environment that the geomembrane may be exposed to in actual applications.
Method: The sample is immersed in the leachate and the changes in its physical, mechanical and chemical properties are evaluated after a specific period of time.
Through these chemical compatibility tests, the effectiveness and durability of the geomembrane material in a specific chemical environment can be ensured, helping to select the type of geomembrane suitable for a specific application.