Comparison of HDPE geomembrane and EPDM membrane

1. Materials and standards

HDPE geomembrane: An anti-seepage membrane based on high-density polyethylene, which is widely used in municipal, water conservancy, environmental protection and other projects; domestic projects often implement standards such as GB/T 17643-1998 (geomembrane) and GB/T 18173.1-2006 (relevant provisions for waterproofing membranes), and there is a relatively mature system for project selection and acceptance.

EPDM rubber liner membrane: A synthetic rubber membrane mainly made of ethylene propylene diene rubber. A single layer of rubber is made by calendering and vulcanization. It has mature applications in garden waterscapes, artificial lakes, sewage pools, etc. However, high-demand anti-seepage projects such as landfills usually require the use of HDPE, and the use of EPDM is not allowed.

2. Typical applications and selection suggestions

High requirements for anti-seepage in landfills, hazardous waste/sewage pools, etc.: Priority is given to HDPE, which complies with domestic engineering specifications and regulatory requirements, and has complete supporting testing, welding, and acceptance systems.

Exposed or plain soil foundations such as landscape lakes, artificial lakes, ponds, golf water features, etc.: EPDM is more friendly (low temperature flexibility, few joints, and strong adaptability to base deformation); if you pursue extremely low leakage risk and have professional welding and testing conditions, HDPE can also be used.

Construction in cold areas or winter: Priority is given to EPDM (can still be constructed at about -45°C); HDPE needs to be evaluated for low-temperature brittleness and construction structure.

Large area and few joints requirements: EPDM has a common width of 6 m, and there are also 15 m ultra-wide products, which can reduce joints; HDPE has a common width of 4–7 m (6 m is more common in engineering).

3. Price and supply samples

HDPE fish pond anti-seepage membrane (new material): Specifications available on e-commerce channels are 20S, 16 m wide, and the price is about ¥4.21/㎡ (different thicknesses/brands/project conditions vary greatly).

EPDM rubber liner membrane: Project channel quotations have supply information starting from approximately ¥1.50/㎡ (differences in specifications, thickness, auxiliary materials and project scale will significantly affect the price)

4. Key points of construction and maintenance

HDPE: Common processes include soil tamping - underlying layer - HDPE laying - hot melt welding - weld inspection (such as air pressure/electric spark) - protective layer backfilling; in order to reduce the risk of leakage, geotextiles, anchoring trenches, online leakage monitoring and other practices are often used.

EPDM: Commonly used are compacted plain soil - non-woven fabrics - EPDM membrane laying - cold bonding/overlapping tapes; the width of the membrane 6 m is more common, and there are also 15 m ultra-wide products to reduce joints; system nodes (anchoring, pipe penetration, corners) are usually equipped with special auxiliary materials and node diagrams

5. Durability Conclusions and Applicable Scenarios

In typical civil anti-seepage scenarios (such as landfills, sewage ponds, artificial lakes/landscape lakes, etc.), HDPE geomembrane has higher comprehensive durability: it has clear engineering-level life indicators and mature quality control and testing systems. The design life can generally reach 50 years or more, and can serve stably for a long time in environments such as -60℃ to +60℃, strong acids and alkalis. 

If it is a garden water feature that is exposed for a long time and emphasizes low-temperature construction friendliness and extremely low leakage risk, EPDM rubber liner membrane performs well in terms of exposed weather resistance. Engineering practice and product data show that its lifespan can exceed 30 years under normal exposure conditions, but its joints and construction quality have a greater impact on long-term reliability.

Key factors affecting lifespan and selection suggestions

Base layer and load conditions: When there are gravels/anchors/high loads or need to resist puncture, HDPE is preferred (resistance to puncture and stress cracking is better); EPDM is more friendly when it is plain soil or soft foundation, has high requirements for deformation adaptation and needs to be exposed.

Exposure and climate: In long-term exposure and strong UV scenarios, the EPDM body has better weather resistance; if HDPE is exposed, a geotextile/protective layer should be installed and attention should be paid to construction and operation and maintenance. For winter construction in extremely cold areas, EPDM has stronger low-temperature adaptability.

Seams and construction: HDPE relies on hot melt welding + non-destructive testing, which has stable quality but requires professional equipment; EPDM cold bonding/overlapping tape systems require higher process and detail control, and seams are often the weak link in long-term reliability.

Thickness and grade: The commonly used thickness in HDPE projects is 0.5–2.0 mm (sewage/hazardous waste pools are usually ≥1.5 mm); the common EPDM thickness is 60 mil (≈1.52 mm), which corresponds to a design life of about 30 years. Higher grades are available for more severe working conditions.

Maintenance strategy: HDPE recommends setting up a protective layer and regularly inspecting the welds and slope anchorage; EPDM has low maintenance requirements after completion, but attention should be paid to the detailing of pipes, corners and other nodes and the protection of finished products