Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) has been a promising addition to geomembrane manufacturing options. A thin EVOH layer has the capability to reduce dramatically the permeability of membranes to gases of all kinds and provide to the geomembrane excellent gas barrier characteristics. This enhances their environmental and functional benefits far beyond any existing solution. But, as with most innovations, it takes time to develop market familiarity and acceptance.
For those seeking greater gas barrier performance within their geomembrane options, international manufacturer Plastika Kritis has become the latest company to incorporate EVOH geomembranes into its offerings.
EVOH GEOMEMBRANES FOR TRUE GAS BARRIERS
The company is well known for its range of Kritiflex® geomembranes, which includes fPP, HDPE (smooth and textured), LLDPE, and EVA options.
The incorporation of 7-layer co-extrusion manufacturing technology now allows the company to produce geomembranes with a thin EVOH layer in widths of 2 – 10m (6.5 – 33 ft.). Plastika Kritis has even launched a dedicated website for this product portfolio: http://www.seven-layer.com/en/true-gas-barrier-geomembranes-liners.
The outer layers of True Gas Barrier Geomembranes can be composed of various materials, depending on required properties for each application. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) may be used for strength and chemical resistance; linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) may be selected for elasticity. Special polyolefin alloys and compounds can be used to impart strength and flexibility.
Common to all of these constructions is the EVOH middle layer, a polymeric layer that exhibits extremely low permeability to gases. As a result, 7-layer barrier geomembranes combine the strength and weldability of polyolefins while being virtually impermeable to gases.
Applications include radon barriers, methane gas barriers, containment and remediation of contaminated soil, brownfields installation, and landfill capping.
For more information on the company’s geomembranes enhanced by EVOH, visit www.seven-layer.com.
For more information on Plastika Kritis’s full suite of geomembrane products and international markets served, visit www.plastikakritis.com/en.
