Synthesis and performance of a novel high-efficiency coal dust suppressant based on self-healing gel.

During transportation and storage, coal produces a lot of dust, which pollutes the environment and threatens the occupational health of workers. Although many dust suppressants have been developed for dust prevention at work, the implementation of current dust suppressants does not meet the requirements due to various factors such as the hydrophobic nature of coal dust and a harsh external environment. In this study, hydroxyethyl cellulose, acrylamide, and stearyl methyl acrylate were used for micelle polymerization to prepare an environmental protection dust suppressant for preventing dust during coal storage and transportation. The microstructure of the reactants and the products was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared as well as scanning electron microscopy. The strength and self-healing tensile properties of binder coal were taken as indicators to determine the best synthesis dosage and conditions. The dust suppressant particles are applied to the dust accumulation area, contact each other after water absorption, and swell to complete the healing, to achieve the purpose of dust control. The evaluation of the relevant properties of the dust suppressant reveals that the dust suppressant has a good covering effect, an excellent dust suppressant performance, and a significant dust suppression action.