Development of an Eco‐Friendly Aluminum Dust Suppressant with Dual Functionality: Dust Control and Hydrogen Inhibition

Abstract This research developed an eco‐friendly aluminum dust suppressant, the CRL mixture, which can suppress both dust and hydrogen. Composed of chitosan, rhamnolipid, and L ‐ malic acid, its formulation was optimized via response surface methodology. Results show it forms a stable chelating compound through acid ‐ base neutralization and cross ‐ linking reactions, achieving a 94.078% dust suppression efficiency for PM7.5 aluminum dust and 97.79% for grinding ‐ generated dust. It also significantly reduces hydrogen generation in aluminum ‐ water reactions, with hydrogen yield dropping from 0.0671 to 0.0149 mol when 1.50 g aluminum powder reacts with water at 45 °C under standard pressure. Microstructural analysis and simulations reveal it forms a uniform protective chelating film on aluminum surfaces. The work's novelties include developing a triple ‐ component bio ‐ based composite with dual functions, discovering the chelation ‐ stabilization mechanism, and demonstrating environmental compatibility as it promotes plant growth and avoids secondary pollution.