Synthesis of Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Sulfate by Bio-activated Method and Application in Stabilization of Sand Particles

Abstract

Bio-activated method is being paid extensive attention because of low cost, simple operation and rapid effects. This research, synthesis of calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate by bio-activated method and application in stabilization of sand particles were investigated. The composition and microstructure of precipitates in the solution were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization data showed that calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate were successfully synthesized by bio-activated method in this process. Calcium carbonate was shown to be nanoscale in size, stick and sphere-like in shape, while calcium sulfate was micrometer in size and flaky in shape. Meanwhile, sand particles stabilized by bio-activated method had superior mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, hardness and wind erosion resistance. The average compressive strength and hardness of samples is 0.49 MPa and 23.8º. The mass loss of samples are all less than 30 g / (m2·h), and no matter how much the wind speed, the change of the mass loss is not obvious.