WATER CONTAINMENT AND EXCLUSION PRODUCTS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

{0001 ] Bentonite is an absorbent, generally impure clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. Bentonite is usually formed from weathering of volcanic ash, most often in the presence of water. There are many bentonite clays, but for industrial purposes, two main classes of bentonite exist, sodium and calcium bentonite. Sodium bentonite was found to have the ability to form a colloidal suspension with water. The ability to absorb water, swell and if confined, act to seal itself and stop further penetration, attracted the attention of early oil drillers who added it to water as they drilled the wells. The bentonite thickened water (drilling mud) was then pumped down the well to act as a scavenger to pick up the tailings created during the drilling process. The thickened water was then pumped from the well site, carrying the refuse with it. Soon, it was found that this "drilling mud" also had the capacity to seal off aquifers that were penetrated during the drilling process, thus preventing water from contaminating the nearby crude oil resource.

[0002] Bentonite has been used in granular form. Early on, additives were added to the granular bentonite to create a stickiness that would adhere to a surface. Eventually, adhesives were added and the bentonite was glued to a secondary plastic sheet that permitted nailing or sticking the waterproofing sheet to an area to be waterproofed.

[0003] Other methods of securing bentonite in sheet form included placing a layer of bentonite particles on fabric and covering the bentonite particles with a second layer of fabric and then sewing the two fabric layers together to sandwich the bentonite between the fabric layers. One use of the bentonite fabric sandwich product is for placement on sloped surfaces of landfills. The bentonite fabric sandwich would resist sliding down the slope as fill was deposited.

{0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention includes a water containment and exclusion product. The product of this invention both contains and excludes water. It should be understood that these words may be used interchangeably herein. The use of the product will determine whether it contains or excludes water or both.

[0006] The water product includes bentonite particles and polyethylene wherein the polyethylene forms a matrix around the bentonite particles and substantially holds the bentonite particles in place to form a bentonite polyethylene matrix (BPM). The bentonite particles in the BPM, upon exposure to water, absorb the water making the product substantially impermeable to additional water. The polyethylene may be reclaimed polyethylene, virgin polyethylene or a combination of both.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of making a bentonite polyethylene matrix layer. The method includes dispensing a particulate pre-mix of bentonite particles and polyethylene film particles onto a surface and heating the pre-mix sufficiently to enable the polyethylene particles to soften and flow around the bentonite particles to form a bentonite polyethylene matrix upon cooling. The surface may be a conveyor belt with a smooth surface or a non-smooth surface such as a serrated surface. [0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a method of making a water containment product. The method includes dispensing a particulate pre- mix of bentonite particles and polyethylene film particles onto a surface and heating the pre-mix on the surface sufficiently to enable the polyethylene particles to soften and flow around the bentonite particles to form a bentonite polyethylene matrix layer upon cooling. The method may include adding one or more additional layers. The additional layers may include, for example, additional layers of BPM, a sheet of fabric, a sheet of metal foil, a polymer sheet or a combination of these layers.

[0009] In a further aspect, the present invention includes a method of waterproofing a structure. The method includes placing a water containment product in contact with the structure to be water proofed wherein the product includes bentonite polyethylene matrix.

[OOIOJ In yet a further aspect, the present invention includes a method of reclaiming polyethylene. The method includes shredding reclaimed polyethylene articles into particles and dispensing a particulate pre-mix of bentonite particles and polyethylene particles onto a surface. The method also includes heating the pre-mix sufficiently to enable the polyethylene particles to soften and flow around the bentonite particles to form a bentonite polyethylene matrix upon cooling.

10011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a side view of an apparatus for making bentonite polyethylene matrix.

[0013] Fig. 2a is a schematic representation of a side view of an apparatus for making a water containment product with a sheet embedded between two layers of BPM.

[0014] Fib. 2b is a side view of a wall with the product of Fig. 2a applied to the outer surface followed by insulation.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a side view of an apparatus for making a water containment product with a serrated surface and a fabric cover. [0016] Fig. 4a is a side view of a water proofing sheet placed in the ground of a landfill. (Forms a waterproofing layer and a drainage area.) [0017] Fig. 4b is a side view of a wall with a water proofing sheet applied to the outer surface. (Forms a waterproofing layer and a drainage area.) (0018] Fig, 5a is a perspective of a water stop in a cold joint. [0019] Fig. 5b is a sectional view of Fig. 5a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS [0020) The present invention includes water containment products made from polyolefm film particles and bentonite particles. The polyolefins are, preferably, reclaimed polyethylene film particles obtained, for example, from discardable plastic bags. When mixtures of the polyethylene film particles and bentonite particles are heated, the polyethylene film particles soften, flow around the bentonite particles and fuse to form a polyethylene matrix with entrapped bentonite particles. This bentonite polyethylene matrix (BPM) can act as a water barrier layer when incorporated into water containment products. Since the water containment products are substantially impermeable to water, the water containment products can prevent (exclude) water from entering into a structure in some embodiments. Alternatively, the water containment products can be used to retain water within a structure. The present invention also includes methods of making a series of bentonite water containment and exclusion products based on the usage of polyethylene film particles and bentonite particles.

[0021] The water containment and exclusion products of the present invention can be advantageously made from reclaimed or recycled polyethylene films instead of synthesizing the polyethylene from petroleum or natural gas raw materials thus avoiding production of vapors, fumes, gases or sensitive residues. Furthermore, the water containment and exclusion products can be made without additional adhesives, plasticizers, solvents, carriers and fluidizers making the production of these products more environmentally safe than previous procedures. The water containment and exclusion products generally include at least a layer of the BPM that acts as a base. The BPM base can be used by itself or the BPM base can be modified in shape, texture, components, size and strength to create products customized for specific water control conditions. Thus, BPM containing products can be produced that are highly resistant to damage and can be used in a variety of conditions typically not amenable to bentonite sheets.

{0022] By "reclaimed" or "recycled", it is meant that the polyethylene used has been already formed into films for other purposes such as bags.

[0023] By "bentonite polyethylene matrix", it is meant that a polyethylene matrix or lattice is formed by heating polyethylene film particles in the presence of bentonite particles and that bentonite particles are held within the polyethylene matrix.

[0024] By "water containment and exclusion products" it is meant any products that are substantially impermeable to water and include the bentonite polyethylene matrix (BPM) described above. Water exclusion products may be products that prevent water from entering into a structure. Alternatively, water containment products may be products that prevent water from leaving a structure. Water proofing sheets are one example of both a water containment and exclusion product depending on the product's use.

[0025] The products of the present invention include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The products can include reclaimed polyolefin films, virgin polyolefin or a combination of both. Common sources of reclaimed polyolefin films are plastic bags that include polyethylene film. The polyolefins can be of varying densities and preferably, are low-density or linear low-density polyolefins.

[0026] ϊn preferred embodiments, the water containment and exclusion products include low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and/or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The polyethylene may be virgin polyethylene, reclaimed polyethylene or a combination of both. In more preferred embodimenls, the water containment and exclusion products are predominantly reclaimed LDPE and/or LLDPE.

[0027] The polyethylene film generally has a low melting point. The low melting point polyethylene films are preferred in the present invention because they require less energy to melt or soften. The melting point of the polyethylene film can be, for example between about 24O ⁰ F and about 34O ⁰ F. In one exemplary embodiment, the polyethylene film has a melting point of about 24O ⁰ F. Polyethylene films can have a mixture of different polyethyϊertes with variable melting points. The finished water containment products may include polyethylene film particles that are melted and/or softened. The finished water containment and exclusion products may also include some polyethylene film particles that are unaffected (not melted or softened) mixed in with the bentonite.

[0028] The types and concentrations of the various LDPE and LLDPE commonly found in reclaimed polyolefins can produce an end product of various tensile strengths. The tensile strength of the water containment product is preferably between about 1500 PSI and about 1800 PSI. Products with tensile strength out of this range are also within the scope of this invention. The tensile strength may also be affected by the final composition of the product and the degree of lamination of the product.

[0029J The polyethylene film is generally ground to a particulate form for use in making the water containment products of the present invention. The polyethylene film is ground to particles of various sizes and that are, preferably, between about 10 mesh size to about 300 mesh size.

[0030] The bentonite particles in the present invention can be of varying size. Preferably, the bentonite particles are between about 30 mesh and about 60 mesh. Bentonite particles outside this range are also within the scope of the invention. [0031] The water containment products of the present invention generally include at least one layer of BPM. A water containment product that includes a layer of BPM is shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 illustrates the production of BPM 50 and is described in detail below. The BPM layer may be used as a water containment product. Alternatively, the BPM layer may be used as a base to which one or more additional layers may be added to generate water containment products with additional attributes. Fig. 2a illustrates a one step continuous process, described in detail below, for producing an exemplary embodiment of a water containment product with multiple layers. [0032] The content of a layer of BPM can vary in terms of the concentration of the polyethylene present. Preferably, the percentage of polyethylene is between about 15% percent by weight and about 30% by weight in the BPM. The concentration of the polyethylene in the BPM may be determined by the end use. In an exemplary embodiment of a waterproofing sheet, the concentration of polyethylene is between about 12 percent by weight and about 15 percent by weight. In embodiments with multiple layers of BPM, each of the layers may have a different concentration of polyethylene. In an exemplary embodiment, a water containment product includes two layers of BPM with a polymer sheet in the middle, the top layer included about 15 percent by weight of polyethylene and the bottom layer included about 30 percent by weight of polyethylene. [0033] Concentrations of polyethylene greater than 30 percent by weight are also within the scope of this invention. However, as the concentration of polyethylene increases over 30 percent by weight, the activation of bentonite can be reduced in the presence of water. This can occur because the higher amount of polyethylene tends to coat the bentonite particle and acts to bar the penetration of additional water resulting in lower absorption and less expansion of the bentonite layer. Products that could have long exposure to inclement weather may be manufactured with increased polyethylene content in order to gain inclement weather protection.

[0034] The thickness of a layer of BPM can vary and is generally between about 1/32 of an inch and about 3/8 of an inch. Preferably, the thickness of a layer of the BPM is between about 1/8 inch and about 1/4 inch.

[0035] The surface of the BPM may be smooth on both the top and bottom. Alternatively, both the top and/or the bottom surface may be a textured, non- smooth surface. Non-smooth surfaces can include, for example, a serrated or saw toothed surface, dimpled surface or sandpaper-like surface. In one exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4a and described below, water containment product 210 is shown having a bottom surface that is serrated. This serrated surface 222 has the ability to grip soil 226 over which it is installed, for example, in the sloped surface of a landfill as shown in Fig. 4a. [0036] Additional layers may be placed above or below a BPM layer to form a desired water containment and exclusion product. These layers can include, for example, additional layers of BPM, polymer sheets, water permeable layers such as fabrics, metal foil sheets and the like. The layers may be added after the manufacture of the BPM layer. Alternatively, the layers may be added as part of a one step continuous process as exemplified in Fig. 2a and described in detail below.

(0037] Multiple layers of BPM may be added sequentially to form a water containment product with layers of BPM. Each of these BPM layers may have a different or same concentration of polyethylene in the BPM, [0038J In some embodiments, a layer(s) of a polymer sheet may be incorporated into the water containment and exclusion products. The polymer sheet can be, for example, a polyethylene sheet. The polyethylene sheet, preferably, has a thickness between about 4 mil and about 30 mil. The polymer sheet can be embedded, for example, between two layers of BPM. The polymer sheet may also be the bottom surface of a water containment and exclusion product or the top surface of a water containment and exclusion product. [0039] A layer of particles may also be added to a BPM layer. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, a layer of bentom ^' te particles are placed over a serrated BPM layer,

[0040] One or more water permeable layers such as synthetic fabric layers or natural fabric layers, for example, cotton and burlap, may be included in the water containment and exclusion products. These water permeable layers may be the top and/or bottom layers of the water containment product. The water permeable layers may be included for the purpose of protection, traction and/or drainage. A fabric cover may be used, for example, over a layer containing bentonite particles to hold the particles in place.

{0041] In some embodiments, a fabric layer may be adhered as the top layer of a water containment and exclusion product for the purpose of imparting protection or strength to the finished product. This is important when the product is installed prior to the concrete pour, i.e. waterproofing product is placed and the concrete added later. In other embodiments, a layer of fabric may be adhered over a serrated side, for example, when applying the water containment and exclusion product over a vertical wall as shown in Fig. 4b. The non-serrated side will form a seal to the concrete and the serrated side will act as a drainage zone by allowing the water to pass through the fabric (214) into the drainage cavities created when the serrated surface is covered by fabric. [0042] A metal foil layer may also optionally be incorporated into a water containment and exclusion product. The metal foil sheet can be aluminum, stainless steel and the like. The metal foil sheet may be the top layer, bottom layer or may be incorporated also between two layers in the water containment products as shown in Fig. 2a. The metal foil sheet is particularly useful as a gas permeability barrier when incorporated into a water containment product. Preferably, the metal foil sheet has a thickness between about 0.05 mm and about 0.1 mm thick.

[0043] The water containment and exclusion products of the present invention can have a thickness that is variable and dependent on the end use and installation environment. Generally, the water containment and exclusion products have a thickness between about 1/16 of an inch and about Y% of an inch. Preferably, the water containment and exclusion products have a thickness of at least about 1/8 inch. More preferably, the water containment and exclusion products have a thickness of between about 1/8 inch and about 3/8 inch. [0044J The water containment and exclusion products may be manufactured and used in rolls, sheets, strips, bands, boards and the like. The water containment and exclusion products, for example, may be manufactured in large rolls and cut to the desired size for use in specific conditions.

[0045] In another aspect of the present invention, a BPM layer is applied to one side of a substrate such as a plastic or foil sheet, then wound. The wound roll with BPM on one side is then unwound and a BPM layer is applied to the other side of the substrate. The resulting product includes a BPM layer on both sides of the substrate. A top layer of fabric may then be applied to either side or to both, depending on the final usage of the product.

[0046] The present invention includes methods of making a BPM and methods of making water containment and exclusion products that include the BPM. Reclaimed and/or virgin polyethylene film particles can be mixed with bentonite particles at a desired concentration of polyethylene to form a premix. The premix particles are placed on a surface, preferably the surface of a conveyor belt. Preferably, the conveyor belt surface is a non-stick silicone or Teflon surface that allows the BPM to easily be removed after formation. Generally, heat is applied to the premix particles on the conveyor belt to soften the polyethylene film particles sufficiently to permit the polyethylene particles to flow around the bentonite particles. In some embodiments, the premix is heated prior to dispensing the premix onto the surface. As the polyethylene cools, the polyethylene particles fuse to form a lattice or a type of matrix that securely holds the bentonite particles. The bentonite particles are trapped within this matrix of polyethylene and form a BPM layer or sheet. After cooling, the BPM sheet can be removed from the conveyor belt. The BPM sheet may, in some embodiments, be used as a water containment product. f 0047] hi alternative embodiments, the layer of BPM forms a base product that may be then modified to create products for specific water control functions. Modifications, for example, may be made to alter the strength of the sheet, to add additional layers with different concentrations of polyethylene, to add additional layers such as a fabric layer, a polymer sheet layer or a metal foil layer and to create layers that have non-smooth surfaces.

[0048] Formation of BPM layers and incorporation of additional layers to form water containment products are particularly amenable to a simple continuous process. A single step continuous process can be used to manufacture a variety of embodiments of the present invention and Figs. 1-3 illustrate some of these examples. Figure 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of forming a BPM sheet of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows conveyor 10 with idler roller 14, drive roller 18 and belt 22. Belt 22 is silicon/Teflon coated. Hopper 26 contains premix 30 of reclaimed polyethylene film particles 34 and bentonite particles 38. Hopper 26 dispenses a selected amount of premix 30 onto belt 22. Premix 30 disposed on belt 22 travels under heater 42. The heat from heater 42 softens polyethylene particles 34 sufficiently to permit flow of the polyethylene and so that the polyethylene particles unite to form matrix 46. In forming matrix 46, the polyethylene flows around bentonite particles 38 thereby trapping bentonite particles 38 within the polyethylene matrix 46. [0049] As the polyethylene matrix 46 with bentonite particles 38 travel on belt 22 the mixture cools forming sheet 50. The heating of the polyethylene need be in some instances sufficient to join adjacent polyethylene particles thereby providing integrity to sheet 50. Sheet 50 peels off of belt 22 as it goes over drive roller 18 due to non-stick nature of belt 22. Sheet 50 has a BPM and may be used as a water containment product.

[0050] hi an alternative embodiment, a polymer sheet may be placed on the conveyor belt prior to the deposition of the premix. This results in a water containment product with a polymer sheet and a BPM layer. [0051J The composition of the premix deposited on the conveyor belt can vary and is dependent on the desired end use of the product. The premix preferably contains between about 15 percent and about 30 percent of polyethylene particles by weight, The percentage of polyethylene in the premix may be altered to modify the characteristics of the resulting product. Adjusting this ratio, broadens the number of uses for the water containment products. For example, the water containment products of this invention can be used in traffic bearing situations. Furthermore, concrete can be pressure pumped directly onto water proofing sheets with a BPM layer without any additional protection. Water containment products can also be used in longer term exposed situations to inclement weather.

[0052] The amount of premix deposited on the flat surface can vary. The amount of the bentonite/polyethylene premix deposited on the belt per hopper depends on the speed of the belt and the temperature of the heated surface. Preferably, between about 0.05 lbs. to about 0.2 lbs. per hopper per second are deposited.

[0053] Conveyor belt, if used, for formation of the water containment products preferably has a non-stick surface. The non-stick surface can be, for example, Teflon, stainless steel, silicone and the like. The conveyor belt may have a smooth surface. Alternatively, the conveyor belt has a textured, non smooth surface such as a serrated surface.

[0054] A heater is generally used to melt the polyethylene particles. A variety of heaters may be used and are generally known in the art. One exemplary heater that can be used is the 13000 BTU to 13.5 kW heater manufactured by Fostoria Industries, (Fostoria, OH).

[0055] The amount of heat, i.e. the temperature of the heating element, used to melt the reclaimed polyethylene particles sufficiently can vary and be dependent on a number of factors including, for example, the melting point of the polyethylene particles used. The amount of heat applied to the polyethylene particles is also coordinated with the time that the particles remain under heating element to soften the polyethylene particles. The speed of a conveyor belt, if used, can also affect the selection of the heating temperature and duration of the heating. Heating times can also be affected by a number of other factors including but not limited to moisture content of the bentonite particles, size of the bentonite particles, initial temperature of the bentonite particles, size of polyethylene particles and thickness of the premix deposited on the moving belt on each pass. It is within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art to determine the amount of heat to use and the duration of the heating given the specific conditions.

[0056] Heating temperatures are preferably between about 30O ⁰ F and about 500 ⁰ F. Heating times are preferably between about 4 seconds and about 6 seconds per hopper. These values are exemplary and values outside this range are also within the scope of this invention.

[0057] After the polyethylene particles are sufficiently heated, the mixture of heated polyethylene and bentonite particles is allowed to cool for a period of time to form the matrix with the trapped bentonite particles. Cooling may be performed by letting the polyethylene cool to room temperature without the use of any cooling devices. Alternatively, cooling devices such as fans and coolers may also be used.

[0058] In embodiments with multiple deposits of the premix from a series of hoppers, the first deposits cool as the subsequent deposits are added. Elapsed time before winding of a finished product generally requires only enough to allow about a 15 to about a 20 degree cooling of the BPM matrix or about 2 to about 10 seconds before addition of subsequent layers or final packaging. [0059] In some embodiments, water containment product with multiple layers are formed. In one exemplary embodiment, a lower, first layer containing only polyethylene is deposited on a belt and heated. Upon slight cooling, addition of one or more layers of polyethylene/bentonite premix followed by heating and cooling results in a water proofing sheet with two layers of waterproofing security. First, with a sheet of polyethylene and second with the swelling and resealing layer of bentonite particles in a BPM.

[0060] Fig. 2a shows another illustrative embodiment of forming a water containment product that is a triple seal product and includes at least three layers. The top and bottom layers comprise BPM layers. The water containment product also includes a sheet layer that is embedded between the two BPM layers. The sheet can act as an additional barrier for water, gases or petrochemicals depending on the specific nature of the sheet. The sheet, for example, can be a metal foil sheet, a polymer sheet and the like. This multi-layered water containment product is advantageously made in a one step continuous process. Fig. 2a shows conveyor 140 with idler roller 144, drive roller 148 and silicone belt 152. Hoppers 156a, 156b, 156c, 156d, and 156e contain premix 164a, 164b, 164c, 164d, and 164e, respectively. Premixes 164a-e contain polyethylene particles 168 and bentonite particles 172. Hopper 156a deposits premix 164a followed by heating from heater 176a. After cooling, hopper 156b deposits premix 164b followed by heating from heater 176b. After cooling, hopper 156c deposits premix 164c followed by heating from heater 176c. After cooling, sheet 180 is guided onto belt 152 over BPM 196a by guide roller 184. Sheet roll 188 threads sheet 180 into guide roller 184. Hopper 156d deposits premix 164d over sheet 180 followed by heating from heater 164d. After cooling, hopper 156e deposits premix 164e followed by heating from heater 176e. Water containment product 192 is formed having BPM 196a and BPM 196b with bentonite particles 172 and sheet 180 disposed between BPM layers 196a and 196b.

(0061 ] Fig. 2b shows the use of water containment product 192 against wall 194. Water containment product 192 is placed against wall 194 followed by insulation 198. BPM layer 196a will seal to wall 194 and BPM layer 196b will seal to insulation 198 without the use of adhesive.

[0062] Fig. 3 shows another illustrative embodiment forming a water containment and exclusion product with a serrated bottom surface and a fabric covering. Conveyor 60 includes idler roller 64, drive roller 68 and serrated surface belt 72. Serrated surface belt 72 is silicone coated. Hopper 76 contains premix 80 of reclaimed polyethylene particles 84 and bentonite particles 88. Hopper 76 dispenses a desired amount premix 80 onto belt 72. Premix 80 disposed on belt 72 travels under heater 92. Sufficient heat from heater 92 is applied to polyethylene particles 84 to flow around bentonite particles 88. Upon cooling, BPM 96 is formed. Since belt 72 has a serrated surface, BPM 96 forms a serrated bottom surface as shown in Fig. 3. Hopper 100 contains only bentonite particles 88 that are deposited on BPM 96. Fabric cover 108 is guided onto bentonite particles 88 by guide roller 112. Cover roll 116 threads fabric cover 108 into guide roller 112. Fabric cover 108 can hold bentonite particles 88 in place in water containment product 120.

(0063] The present invention also includes methods of water proofing a structure. Water containment products may be used as rolls, sheets, strips and the like. These products are generally placed on the surface that should desirably remain dry.

[0064] Fig. 4a illustrates an exemplary embodiment of water proofing sheet 210 placed in a landfill having a sloped surface. In Fig. 4a, water proofing sheet 210 includes serrated surface 222, BPM 218 and a fabric layer 214. Serrated surface 222 of water proofing sheet 210 grips soil 226 and holds the water proofing sheet in place.

[0065) Fig. 4b illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which water proofing sheet 210 is placed against wall 240 to prevent water from penetrating into wall 240. In Fig. 4b, water proofing sheet 210 includes fabric layer 214, serrated polyethylene layer 222 and BPM 218. Water proofing sheet 210 has an outside fabric cover 214 that can act as a drainage zone by allowing the water to pass through the fabric cover 214 into the drainage cavities created when the serrated surfaces are covered by fabric cover 214.

[0066] Water proofing sheet, when applied to walls, can be affixed to the walls using a variety of techniques. The water proofing sheet may be, for example, stapled, nailed, or glued to a wall surface.

[0067] In one exemplary embodiment, the invention includes a water stop 300 that is used for water proofing a cold concrete joint 302 as illustrated in Figs. 5a and 5b. Cold joints generally are joints between concrete pours 304, 306 performed on different days and are susceptible to being a leak point for water. The water stop 300 is a water containment product encased within concrete walls to prevent water from entering through cold joints. The water stop can be installed in the concrete of the first pour perpendicular to the width of the cold joints. A second pour of concrete can be performed on a subsequent day. The second pour encases the water stop within the concrete at the site of the cold joint. The encased water stop can intercept any water that may flow through the joint between the first and second pour. [0068] The present invention also includes water proofing structures such as landfills with the water containment products. These water containment products may be placed in landfills to prevent, for example, any toxic waste placed in the landfill from leaching into the surrounding soil, hi preferred embodiments, water containment products are sheets placed in sloped structures such as landfills having a sawtooth or serrated type bottom surface that grip the sloped surface and prevent the sheet from sliding during the filling of the landfill. The serrated surface allows for a more complete and gap free coverage of the landfill even when landfill is being deposited.

[0069] Exterior of walls, floors and foundations may be water proofed with water containment products that have a layer of metal foil integrated into the sheet. In these embodiments, the metal foil layer is preferably embedded between BPM layers so that the BPM prevents water from reaching the metal foil layer and damaging it. The metal foil layer can, thus, act to reduce the permeability of gases through the water containment product. The metal foil is preferably aluminum or stainless steel foil.

[0070] A method of reclaiming polyethylene film is also included in the present invention. Polyethylene to be reclaimed is shredded into particles. Shredding of polyethylene film may be performed using any number of devices in the art. Preferably, the size of the particles is between about 10 mesh and about 300 mesh. The polyethylene particles are combined with bentonite particles to form a premix of a desired ratio. The premix can be applied to a surface such as a conveyor belt, heated sufficiently to allow the polyethylene particles to flow around the bentonite particles and, upon cooling, form a BPM. The BPM can be used as a water containment product after removal from the surface. Alternatively, additional layers may be added, as described above, to construct the desired water containment product. [0071] In summary, the invention may be used to form a number of products, some of which has been described previously herein. For example, the present invention may be used, but not limited to, a BPM layer on a 40-30 ml polyethylene sheet, BPM layer applied directly to the polyethylene sheet. [0072] Another example of a product using the present invention includes a 40- 30 ml polyethylene sheet or a metal foil, made of aluminum or steel or any other suitable metal, of approximately 0.05-.1 ml with a layer of BPM adhered to one side. This product is adaptable for use as a water stop and is especially useful for use on exterior building walls when a second layer of BPM is applied to an opposite side of the interior sheet. One layer of BPM will seal to the wall, and the layer on the outside, exterior layer, will seal to exterior insulation as applied to the exterior of the building wall.

[0073] Yet another product is made by applying a first layer of BPM to a nonstick surface of serrated silicon or Teflon thus creating an irregular surface with the ability to grip and earth and surface over which it is installed. This characteristic is important for use on a slope surface of a landfill covered with fabric to create a drainage layer.

[0074] Yet another product is made by adhering a fabric layer over the serrated side of the previously mentioned product. This product is applied to a vertical wall, and the non-serrated forms a seal with the wall and the serrated side acts as a drainage zone by allowing the water to passthrough the fabric into cavities of the serrated surface which act as drainage. The serrated surface is covered by fabric which permits water to passthrough to the serrated surface. The fabric layer is particularly important when this product is installed prior to concrete being formed to form the wall. The fabric adds strength and helps retain the integrity of the product.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.