Geosynthetic mat Tatrabent—development, production and application

Abstract The geotechnical and chemical approach to the evaluation of blended mineral fillers in a geosynthetic mat for sealing purposes is introduced. Properties measured include water sorption characteristics, heavy metal sorption, neutralization ability, occlusion of saturated vapors of water and nitrogen dioxide and permeability. Bentonite is the main component in the blend; zeolite and diatomite are added minerals. All materials are mined in Slovakia. Bentonite–zeolite mineral filler is used in the geosynthetic mat TATRABENT manufactured since 1996. The significance of the relation between liquid limit ( w L ) and swell characteristics like water adsorption by Enslin ( E S ) free swell and one-dimensional swelling has been studied to assess the quality of mineral fillers. Similarly, the relation between liquid limit and coefficient of permeability of mineral fillers is concerned herein. The review of recommended properties for blended mineral filler of Tatrabent is given as well (300%≤ w L E S k ≤5×10 −11 m s −1 and heavy metal sorption ability >95%/24 h). These values are optimal for regularly tested and certified Tatrabent mineral filler with the weight ratio of bentonite to zeolite 9:1 in the final product. The difference between Tatrabent mineral filler and those recently used in waste landfills in the world is that Tatrabent mineral filler is the blend of bentonite and zeolite or diatomite while the others consist only of natural or activated bentonites. The purpose of this contribution is to suggest directions for the optimal use of blended mineral fillers used in the geosynthetic mat Tatrabent acceptable in landfill construction for waste containment on the basis of obtained results.