Preparation, characterization, and synergistic soil moisture retention effects of a by-product-based dust suppressant for fugitive dust suppression

For the control of dust pollution, a novel dust suppressant was formulated using Resin alcohol C (RC) (by-product of a chemical alcohol preparation from corn) as the main ingredient. Through orthogonal and infiltration experiments, as well as a series of RC screening and optimization processes, an optimal formulation contained 0.3% methylcellulose, 0.1% polyvinyl alcohol , 0.1% cold-water-soluble starch, 0.2% alkyl polyglucosides, and 2.0% RC. The experimental performance results revealed that the by-product dust suppressant had superior water erosion resistance (water loss rate 8.2 %), wind erosion resistance (wind loss rate 7.7% at 20 m/s), durability (suppressed 90.47 % of dust after 50 d), and degradation resistance (mass loss rate of the dust suppressant firm reached ∼43% after 27 d). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to explore the dust suppression mechanism, which was found to encompass water retention, film-formation, and dust agglomeration. The findings of a pot experiment indicated a synergistic soil moisture retention effect attributed to the implementation of the dust suppressant. This innovative dust suppressant formulation with industrial by-product as the main ingredient offers an effective strategy for mitigating fugitive dust pollution and maintaining soil moisture.