Synthesis and performance characterization of a road coal dust suppressant with excellent consolidation, adhesion, and weather resistance

To prevent dust pollution on road surfaces near open-pit mines in northwest China, this paper prepared a dust suppressant inspired by mussel adhesion proteins, which are rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups and lysine residues. The source of the adhesion of the dust suppressant was proven through adhesion tests. In addition, by analyzing the dust suppression effect, the wetting-adhesion-consolidation mechanism of the dust suppressant was further explained. The results showed that the dust suppressant showed great potential applications for the adhesion and consolidation of coal (bond strength ≈ 36 kPa, compressive strength ≈ 158 kPa). In addition, the organic phase was mixed in the aqueous phase solvent to reduce the freezing point of the liquid phase. This gave the solution anti-icing properties (freezing point ≈ - 15.3 ℃) and also improved the water retention of the dust suppressant (water retention >24 h). After adding a small amount of the surfactant alkyl polyglycoside, the dust suppressant displayed good wettability (surface tension ≈ 34 mN·m−1). This research has prepared a new chemical dust suppressant with strong adhesion and resistance to extreme environments. It is expected to bring significant economic and social environmental benefits to the sustainable development of the mining, transportation, and construction industries.