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Need for substitute surfactant for ASTM D5397

August 1st, 2023

It has been brought to our attention by the ASTM task group regarding ASTM D5397, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Stress Crack Resistance of Polyolefin Geomembranes Using Notched Constant Tensile Load Test, that the surfactant used in this experiment (Igepal CO-630) is a regulated substance in some countries (i.e., EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and […]

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New GSI method for strain hardening of HDPE geomembranes

April 1st, 2022

Traditionally, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes are checked for stress crack resistance using the ASTM D5397 single point-notched constant tensile load (SP-NCTL) test (Hsuan, Lord and Koerner [1990]). This test uses notched specimens, surfactant, and elevated temperatures to accelerate the behavior and force a brittle failure in HDPE geomembranes. With today’s high stress crack resistant HDPE […]

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Alternative stress cracking surfactants identified for HDPE geomembrane testing

February 9th, 2022

The Australian geosynthetics testing company ExcelPlas discusses the search for alternative stress cracking surfactants to the pollutant Igepal CO-630. Photograph courtesy Solmax Geosynthetics testing company ExcelPlas in Highett, Victoria, Australia, has identified two alternative stress cracking surfactants for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes. Igepal™ CO-630, the non-ionic surfactant used in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) stress cracking bath, […]

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