Microcrystalline Cellulose-A Green Alternative to Conventional Soil Stabilizers

Area of Science:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Biopolymers offer sustainable alternatives in geotechnical engineering.
• Cellulose-based biopolymers, especially microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), are under-researched for soil stabilization.
• Kaolin clay, a weak and compressible soil, requires improvement for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on the geotechnical properties of kaolin clay.
• To evaluate MCC as a potential soil stabilizer in geo-environmental engineering.
• To assess the influence of MCC dosage and aging on soil strength and deformation.

Main Methods:

• Kaolin soil samples were treated with varying dosages of MCC (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2%).
• Dry mixing method was used for sample preparation.
• Geotechnical properties including liquid limit, plastic limit, compaction, deformation modulus, unconfined compression strength (UCS), and aging effects were analyzed.

Main Results:

• MCC increased the plasticity index of kaolin by 74% and the liquid limit by 11%.
• Soil stiffness, indicated by the deformation modulus, increased with MCC dosage and aging.
• Unconfined compression strength (UCS) significantly improved with higher MCC dosages and extended curing periods, peaking at 2% MCC after 90 days.

Conclusions:

• Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) effectively improves the stiffness and strength of kaolin clay.
• The aging process further enhances the stabilizing effect of MCC on soil properties.
• MCC shows significant potential as an environmentally friendly soil stabilizer for geotechnical and geo-environmental applications.