Overview
EN ISO 13438:2018 - Geosynthetics - Screening test method for determining the resistance of geotextiles and geotextile-related products to oxidation - defines accelerated screening procedures to assess how geotextiles resist oxidative degradation. It applies to products made solely from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), aramide (AR) (Method A) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL) (Method B). Results are intended for screening purposes (e.g., initial durability ranking and comparative evaluation) and are not standalone proof of long-term performance or lifetime unless supported by additional evidence.
Key Topics
- Two screening methods
- Method A: Designed for PP, PE, PA, AR. Specimens are pre‑soaked in laboratory water (ISO 3696 Grade 3 or better) at 80 °C for 28 days, then exposed in a regulated oven at (100 ± 1) °C while hanging freely to accelerate oxidation.
- Method B: Designed for PVAL. Uses moderately high temperature combined with elevated oxygen concentration (pure oxygen at high pressure) to accelerate oxidation where oxygen diffusion could otherwise limit rate.
- Post‑exposure evaluation
- Mechanical properties (tensile strength and strain at maximum load) are measured and compared with control specimens following EN 12226 general test procedures.
- Testing typically includes both machine and cross directions (nonwovens may require only one).
- Minimum of five test specimens and five control specimens per direction for statistical reliability.
- Scope limits
- Accelerated ageing provides screening data and initial indications of resistance for service-life targets (25, 50, 100 years), but not definitive lifetime predictions without corroborating evidence.
- Edition updates
- 2018 revision added procedural guidance for use of exposure ovens and autoclaves.
Applications
- Who uses it
- Geosynthetics manufacturers and R&D labs for product development and quality control.
- Independent testing laboratories performing comparative durability screening.
- Civil and geotechnical engineers and specifiers selecting geotextiles for buried or aqueous environments.
- Asset owners and procurement teams requiring documented screening for oxidation sensitivity.
- Practical uses
- Screening candidate materials and stabilizer formulations for susceptibility to oxidative degradation.
- Comparing batches or alternative polymers (PP vs PE vs PVAL) under accelerated conditions.
- Informing design choices for applications where geotextiles contact soil moisture and oxygen (e.g., drainage, separation, reinforcement, containment).
Related Standards
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (used for specimen leaching).
- EN 12226 - General tests for evaluation following durability testing (tensile testing protocol).
- EN ISO 13438:2018 is the CEN-endorsed version of ISO 13438:2018 and supersedes earlier editions.
Keywords: geosynthetics, geotextiles, oxidation resistance, EN ISO 13438, screening test, accelerated ageing, PP, PE, PVAL, tensile test, durability testing.
