Durability of polymers for containment barriers
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States). Environmental and Waste Technology Center
Brookhaven National Laboratory has been involved in several tasks to develop, demonstrate, and implement advanced polymer materials for use in subsurface barriers throughout the US Department of Energy complex. Binders investigated as barrier composites include polyester styrenes, vinylester styrenes, high-molecular-weight acrylics, sulfur polymer cement, bitumen, and a furfuryl-alcohol-based furan polymer. These materials have been extensively used in many commercial applications, e.g., in sewage and brine handling systems and electrolytic baths. They have also been used by the US Army Corps of Engineers to repair dams and canal locks, and by the Federal highway Administration for bridge deck and highway repairs. Their impermeability to gases and liquids, combined with resistance to radiation and to acidic and alkaline environments, make polymer grouts candidates for high-quality, durable barriers. Laboratory testing and evaluation of polymer composites has been ongoing since early 1992. A series of resistance tests were used to determine the performance and durability characteristics of a variety of polymer composites. This paper details the results of this characterization that pertain to the Hanford Site underground storage tanks. Testing includes wet-dry cycling, chemical resistivity to ground water, base, solvent and a surrogate nitrate tank brine, resistance to irradiation, and hydraulic conductivity. Performance values indicate that polymers can meet the requirements for containment barriers for underground storage tanks at the Hanford tank farm, including the high-heat tanks. Appropriate choices of binder and aggregate, followed by appropriate, site-specific compatibility testing will result in a durable, high-strength, low-permeability barrier.
- OSTI ID:
- 400688
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941124-; ISBN 0-935470-85-9; TRN: 96:030216
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 33. Hanford symposium on health and the environment: symposium on in-situ remediation--scientific basis for current and future technologies, Richland, WA (United States), 7-11 Nov 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of In-situ remediation: Scientific basis for current and future technologies. Part 1; Gee, G.W. [ed.] [Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)]; Wing, N.R. [ed.] [Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, WA (United States)]; PB: 704 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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