Polyetheramine as swelling‐inhibitor for expansive soil: Performance and mechanism

Abstract

AbstractThe logical coherence macro–micro experiments about the anti‐swelling performance of polyetheramine‐230 (PEA‐230) on expansive natural soil are presented in this paper. Further, the expansion of the soil in the solution and water system is considered. Great significance in treating the expansive soil broadens the applied range of polyetheramine‐230. The mechanism is assessed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in the state of wet and dry montmorillonite (Mt), XRD of dry clay extracts from the soil, zeta potential measurement, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results prove the significant effect of controlling the expansion of expansive soil. PEA‐230 strongly adsorbs on the surface of soil particles and intercalates into the layer structure. Further, the PEA‐230/soil hybrids can be judged as usable engineering soil with low expansion characteristics. Additionally, the concentration of PEA‐230 controls the treatment effect, and 1 wt% PEA‐230 is a proper concentration to treat the expansive soil. In particular, PEA‐230 has excellent characteristics such as small molecular weight, good water solubility, and good stability. Thus PEA‐230 can be regarded as a great agent to treat in‐situ expansive soil.