How the surfactants mixed with emulsion can enhance the sand-fixation ability in the high salt-affected sandy land

Abstract

ABSTRACT In order to control the impacts of salt crystallization damage, in this article, the surfactant Pluronic L35 (L35, a nonionic surfactant), for the first time, was added into P(VAc-DBM-AA-SSS) emulsion to improve the ecological sand-fixing capability in high salt-affected sandy land. This study started from the analysis of salt tolerance of P(VAc-DBM-AA-SSS) film by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mechanical property. Then, the surfactant L35 has been selected to study the effect on salt crystal behaviour before reaction with emulsion. The performance and morphology of adding varied L35 and 3% NaCl into P(VAc-DBM-AA-SSS) emulsion have been considered. In addition, sand-fixing properties (e.g. compressive strength and water retaining) of the emulsion mixed with L35 were evaluated. Finally, the influence of the emulsion mixed with L35 on the growth of plant was investigated for understanding its ecological effect. The experimental results showed that the L35 could change the morphology of salt in sand; moreover, adding L35 into P(VAc-DBM-AA-SSS) emulsion can visibly enhance the sand-fixing ability in high salt-affected sandy land. The investigation into the influence of the emulsion mixed with L35 on the growth of plant also showed a dependable ecological effect.