Preparation and characterization of an eco‐friendly sand‐fixing agent utilizing nanosilica/polymer composites

Abstract A novel sand‐fixing curing agent was developed and applied as a sustainable sand‐fixing material. This research prepared a self‐degradable, eco‐friendly sand‐fixing curing agent by using nanosilica and a polymer as the main raw materials (nanosilicon/polymer composite, NSPC), its mechanical properties and hydration mechanism were investigated. The results showed that adsorption of the NSPC on sand particles followed pseudo second‐order kinetics, and the optimum mixing time of the NSPC and sand was 3 h. The compressive strength of the sample reached 6.07 MPa after 28 days with the optimal mass ratio of NSPC and sand. After 20 freezing–thawing cycles, the compressive strength was 3.25 MPa. The results indicated that the NSPC improved the sand's capacity for water retention. The chemical reaction between the NSPC and sand particles occurred at the microlevel and improved the sand strength by bonding the particles together. The NSPC curing agent satisfied the requirements of sand‐fixing technology during 5 months of field tests. A mixture of the NSPC and sandy soil with a mass ratio of 1:3 is recommended for wind erosion control in the field. A field engineer in these situations may take advantage of the mixture to sprayed it onto the sandy surface.