Selected properties of the halloysite as a component of Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL)

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to present some properties of halloysite and its applications as a component of Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL). The following article presents results of comparative tests of the influence of different factors on the halloysite and halloysite - bentonite mixture properties. Design/methodology/approach: Many studies including SEM, XRD, FTIR, EDS, ICP and XRF have been made to examine the halloysite and halloysite - bentonite mixture properties. Findings: Influence of the halloysite additive on characteristics of sealing GCL properties. Research limitations/implications: Studies described in this work should help to improve composition and optimize parameters of sealing clay mixtures improving activities and functioning of GCL during a long period of time. Comparison of the effects of the halloysite additive on characteristics of sealing clay layers properties and the possibility of its application in this area. Practical implications: Knowledge about changing of GCL properties during long time exploitation in landfills allows for selection of theirs main sealing parameters. The wrong choice of GCL parameters leads to multiplication of environmental costs and pollution of the area around storage place. Originality/value: Halloysite shows high sorption properties in relation to toxic heavy metals (eg cadmium, lead) and solutions containing harmful hydrocarbons, eg benzene, as well as toxic gases (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide). They are in aqueous solutions, therefore, their capacity for migration through protective barriers sometimes pose a growing threat to the environment. Using halloysite as a component of GCL significantly reduced this problem. The halloysite additive to GCL reduces the vulnerability of the sealing barrier towards the influence of calcium ions improving quality and durability of mineral insulation.