Preparation and performance study of a new type of high-moisturizing composite dust suppressant

Abstract

A new composite dust suppressant with high moisture retention capacity has been developed to address the problem of dust pollution in open-pit limestone mines. Using single factor and response surface methodology, the optimum proportions of composite dust suppressants were determined, and the physicochemical properties, anti-evaporation properties, and weather resistance of the dust suppressants were measured and analyzed. The results showed that the optimal dust suppressant was a mixture of 20 % calcium chloride (CaCl₂), 1.59 % methyl cellulose (C₂₀H₃₈O₁₁), and 0.2 % sodium chloride (NaCl)-0.4 % fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (JFC). The microstructure of the dust suppressant was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS). At this ratio, the pH of the dust suppressant was 6.94, the viscosity was 69.96 mPa·s, and the surface tension was 26.9 mN/m. After 14 h at 35 °C, the moisture content of the solution reached 71.97 %. It continued to undergo hydration at a negative temperature (−27 °C), effectively reducing the liquid–phase freezing point. The new high-moisturizing composite dust suppressant had an evaporation resistance approximately twice that of water under high-temperature conditions (30–50 °C). After blowing with wind speeds of 7–13 m/s for 60 min, the dust mass increase rate was 4.1 %, which indicated strong resistance to evaporation and wind erosion. Dust suppressants adsorb dust particles and cause agglomeration of dust particles, enhancing their adhesion and forming cross-linked structures. Dust suppressants have broad application prospects and significant environmental and economic benefits.