Optimization and performance evaluation of a fully biodegradable dust suppressant with ternary synergistic effect

This paper presents the development of a fully biodegradable water-based composite dust suppressant using xanthan gum (XG) as the binding-filming agent, glycerol (GLY) as the moisture-retaining agent, and alkyl polyglucoside (APG) as the surfactant. The study targeted dust-prone scenarios such as open-pit coal mine roads, urban bare land, and construction stockyards. Through single-factor and response surface methodology (RSM) experiments, the optimal mass ratio of the composite dust suppressant was determined, and its moisture retention and wind erosion resistance were analyzed. The results show that the optimal formulation consists of 0.15% XG, 5.0% GLY, and 0.13% APG, with water comprising the remainder. The dust suppressant formulated with this recipe had a viscosity of 207.82 mPa·s; under 25 °C and 43% RH, its moisture retention rate after 14 h was 84.27%, and its surface tension was 27.4 mN/m. Under the high-temperature condition of 40 °C, its water retention rate after 14 h still reached 63.2%. After continuous blowing at wind speeds of 5-9 m/s for 60 min, the wind erosion rate reached 80.2%, indicating good moisture retention and wind erosion resistance. The system combines the advantages of high efficiency, environmental friendliness, easy biodegradability, and low cost, making it a promising candidate for widespread application.