Application of novel polymer materials for anti-fouling control of landfills: A comprehensive durability evaluation

Abstract

The novel polymer material is lightweight, environmentally friendly, and offers excellent anti-seepage properties, making it an ideal candidate as a cutoff wall for emergency isolation in landfills, controlling leachate migration. However, limited studies exist on the comprehensive durability of this material. Laboratory experiments were conducted on polyurethane samples through simulating landfill conditions, particularly using dry-wet cycling experiments to mimic seasonal variations in landfill water levels. Pb(NO₃)₂-Zn(NO₃)₂ and CaCl₂ solutions, as representative components of leachate, were evaluated for their effects on the material. The results indicate that the dry-wet process significantly impacted the anti-seepage performance, with the permeability coefficient increasing by 11.7% compared to immersion in pure leachate. The highest impact on material performance was observed in the Pb(NO₃)₂-Zn(NO₃)₂ mixed solution, which led to a 24.2% increase in permeability compared to distilled water, followed by CaCl₂ solution. Two lifetime prediction models yielded a safe service lifetime over 100 years for the polymer material even with heavy metal exposure, utilizing the Arrhenius equation and the WLF (Williams-Landel-Ferry) equation, and high-density materials were recommended. The study confirms the material's strong potential for long-term use, providing a solid foundation for its application in landfill environments. Furthermore, attention should be paid to the destruction of frequent fluctuations in water levels and heavy metals on the polymer cutoff wall.