Investigation sand dune stabilization using the Acrylamide Co Acrylic Acid Polymer: a laboratory study

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the influence of chemical additives (AM-P-AA) on the engineering properties of sand dunes, which was polymerized by free radicals in presence of MBA1 and APS2, respectively, as a crosslinker and an initiator. Finally, 1 litter per 0.3 m2 of this polymer composite was sprayed at the sample metal trays on 0.5%, 1%, and 2% levels and cured for 30 days to investigate their effects on soil properties. The study was conducted through a completely randomized design with three replications. First, the structure and composition of the stabilizers were determined using Fe-SEM, FTIR, XRD, and swelling capacity. Then, the effect of polymers on the anti-wind erosion ability was examined via a wind tunnel test, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and crust diameter. The stabilization mechanism refers to a process whereby the sand particles and the polymer are thoroughly bounded to each other. On the other hand, the improvement of sand properties depended on the stabilizer’s concentration, and the best concentration was found to be 2% (T3), with the sand showing, after 30 days, its highest resistance to any extraneous influence, abrasion, and pressure compared to other treatments. Meanwhile, in a threshold friction velocity experiment performed through a wind tunnel, all samples exhibited resistance to the maximum wind generated (15m/s). Thus, a polymer solution with 2% concentration is highly recommended to effectively stabilize sand dunes.