A Critical Review on the Feasibility of Synthetic Polymers Inclusion in Enhancing the Geotechnical Behavior of Soils

Abstract

Polymers have attracted widespread interest as soil stabilizers and are proposed as an ecologically acceptable means for enhancing the geotechnical properties of soils. They have found profound applications in diverse fields such as the food industry, textile, medicine, agriculture, construction, and many more. Various polymers are proven to increase soil shear strength, improve volume stability, promote water retention, and prevent erosion, at extremely low concentrations within soils through the formation of a polymer membrane around the soil particles upon hydration. The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of existing research on synthetic polymers for soil improvement. A fundamental evaluation of many synthetic polymers used in soil stabilization is provided, Furthermore, the impact of different polymer types on the geotechnical parameters of treated soil was assessed and compared. Limiting factors like polymer durability and the effect of changing climatic conditions on the engineering behavior of the polymer-treated soils have been critically reviewed. The dominant mechanisms responsible for the alteration in the behavior of polymer-soil admixture are reviewed and discussed. This review article will allow practicing engineers to better understand the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of targeted polymers before employing them in real-field scenarios for better long-term performance

The Application of an Eco-Friendly Synthetic Polymer as a Sandy Soil Stabilizer

“…Biopolymers are produced based on bacteria biomass and are common in nature [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Finally, synthetic polymers, created in laboratories, are based on main and branched-chain structures [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Synthetic polymers, being man-made, can be manipulated to acquire desired characteristics. Consequently, many synthetic polymers are being developed to be less harmful to the environment (from production to use), more durable, and economically viable for soil stabilization [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…The main environmental concern does not lie in the use of synthetic polymers per se, as evidence suggests a reduced environmental toxicological impact [ 12 ]. The focus is on the production of these polymers, associated with chemicals derived from potentially harmful substances [ 17 ], although they are considerably less harmful than traditionally used materials [ 11 ].…”

“…When discussing conventionally used materials, one example is cement. The production of cement, which involves heating the clinker to 1450 °C in a kiln, results in the release of a considerable amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) [ 11 , 18 ]. In response to this negative impact, researchers are developing environmentally friendly alternatives to enhance the properties of weak soil [ 11 ].…”

Chitosan-Based Hydrogel in the Management of Dermal Infections: A Review

“…These polymers possess inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, making them suitable for biomedical applications. Tailoring the chemical and physical attributes of artificial polymers, including polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide, and polyacrylic acid, enables the development of hydrogels with specific features [11]. Crosslinking agents are introduced to connect the polymer chains and form the network structure of the hydrogel.…”