Optimization, preparation, and performance characterization of a composite dust suppressant for open‐pit mine roads based on response surface methodology

Abstract Road dust pollution poses a severe threat to open‐pit mines, while single‐function dust suppression approaches may have limitations in achieving comprehensive performance under different application conditions. To address this issue, this study develops a novel multi‐functional composite chemical dust suppressant with environmentally friendly konjac glucomannan as the core binder, compounded with surfactants, hygroscopic agents, and water‐retaining agents. Single‐factor experiments were first conducted to determine the appropriate concentration ranges of the four formulation components, followed by a four‐factor, three‐level response surface design. Multi‐objective optimization of the formulation ratio was then conducted with viscosity, pH value, and surface tension taken as response values. The results show that the optimal mass concentrations of the composite dust suppressant were 0.666% konjac glucomannan, 0.050% cocamidopropyl betaine, 1.772% triethanolamine, and 6.500% magnesium sulfate, based on the mass of the final solution. Performance tests demonstrate that the hygroscopic rate of dust samples sprayed with the proposed dust suppressant is more than 10 times that of samples treated with tap water; the wind erosion loss rate is only 7.42% under a high wind speed of 12 m/s, and the compressive strength of the cured dust layer reaches 0.585 kPa; the dust removal efficiencies for total dust and respirable dust reach as high as 92.28% and 83.34%, respectively. With a scientific formulation, green properties, and high efficiency, this dust suppressant provides an innovative and industrially practical new solution for dust control of the investigated open‐pit mine road dust.