Modified sodium alginate-based three-dimensional network hydrogel dust suppressant: Preparation, characterization,...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional chemical dust suppressants face challenges with cost, effectiveness, and environmental persistence.
• Developing sustainable and efficient dust control solutions is crucial for mining operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel hydrogel dust suppressant (PVA-SA-PAM/CAS) from sodium alginate (SA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyacrylamide (PAM) with sulfonated castor oil (CAS).
• To evaluate the hydrogel's physical properties, thermal stability, adsorption capacity, and dust suppression efficiency under simulated mine conditions.

Main Methods:

• Sodium alginate (SA) was extracted from kelp and cross-linked with PVA and PAM, followed by the addition of CAS to form a hydrogel.
• Single-factor experiments were conducted to optimize reaction temperature and component dosages.
• Characterization included viscosity, compressive strength, microstructure analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, specific surface area, pore size, water retention, dust suppression efficiency, and degradation rate tests.

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions yielded a hydrogel with viscosity of 86 mPa·s and compressive strength of 218 kPa.
• The hydrogel demonstrated good thermal stability, a specific surface area of 0.0278 m²/g, and a pore size of 11.8 nm.
• Dust suppression efficiency exceeded 98% under strong winds (12 m/s), with a degradation rate of 37% after 56 days (eight cycles).

Conclusions:

• The synthesized PVA-SA-PAM/CAS hydrogel exhibits excellent wetting, dust suppression, and degradation properties.
• This novel hydrogel offers a promising, environmentally friendly solution for mitigating dust pollution in mining environments.
• The material's performance indicates its potential to replace conventional, less sustainable dust suppression methods.