Mechanical properties and mechanism of soil treated with nano-aqueous adhesive (NAA)

Abstract

The loose structure and low mechanical strength of the surface soil make it vulnerable to damage under erosion conditions. Slope ecological protection is one of the effective methods to improve the stability of slope soil. Although it has been proved that polymer modified materials can effectively improve the soil properties and the environmental protection effect of slope, so far, the improvement mechanism has not been fully understood, especially the chemical mechanism of the material on the enhancement of soil mechanical properties is not clear. In the present study, the effects of nano-aqueous adhesive (NAA) on unconfined compressive strength, shear strength and aggregate characteristics of soil were studied by a series of laboratory experiments. The results show that NAA can increase the strength, aggregate number and stability of the soil, to effectively improve the stability of surface soil. In addition, through infrared spectroscopy and SEM test, it was found that NAA molecules were mainly distributed in the interlayer position of flaky clay minerals, mainly connected with clay minerals through hydrogen bonds, thereby effectively enhancing the cohesion of soil particles.

A State-of-the-Art Review of Organic Polymer Modifiers for Slope Eco-Engineering

“…Huang et al [93] researched the effects of nano-aqueous adhesive NAA (polyvinyl acetate), (CH2CHCOOCH3)n), on unconfined compressive strength, shear strength, and aggregate characteristics of slope soil. Further, in order to clarify the improvement mechanism, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests showed that NAA was mainly distributed in the interlayer position of flake clay minerals and connected with clay minerals mainly through hydrogen bonding, thus effectively enhancing the cohesion of soil particles.…”

“…Huang et al [93] explored the water-holding capacity of super-absorbent resin (SAR) in slope topsoil. The volume expansion and contraction of SAR during water absorption and drainage loosened soil and improved the soil microstructure.…”

“…The water retention characteristics of soil improved by various biopolymer modifiers are illustrated in Figure 5. Huang et al [93] explored the water-holding capacity of super-absorbent resin (SAR) in slope topsoil. The volume expansion and contraction of SAR during water absorption and drainage loosened soil and improved the soil microstructure.…”