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I-CORP INTERNATIONAL has been awarded R&D funding by USEPA to further assess the potential of infrared thermography for the nondestructive measurement of HDPE geomembrane seam strength.
The surfaces of fusion and extrusion seams of varying quality will be flash-heated through about 10C and the surface temperature changes monitored over the next three or four seconds as the thermal pulse passes downwards through the weld interface. In well-bonded locations the pulse will pass through the interface leaving a cool spot on the surface, while at poorly bonded regions the heat will not pass, leaving a hotter spot on the surface.
Where interesting thermogram features are generated the welds will be subject to conventional peel testing and cross sectional microscopy to assess the weld characteristics generating those features.
An initial stab will be made at identifying sub-critical to critical transitions of various features. Welds have been prepared at different machine speeds and nip roll pressures, and with moisture and dirt in the weld.
Recent studies have also been made for two private clients on reinforced geomembranes.
For more information on infrared thermography for the nondestructive measurement of HDPE geomembrane seam strength, please contact Ian Peggs at I-CORP INTERNATIONAL.
