Optimization and micro-mechanism of liquefied corncob for sand stabilization

In order to optimize the liquefaction process of corncob and improve the sand stabilization effect of liquefied corncob, the guadra-rotation orthogonal experiment with four factors was employed. The effects of the liquefaction temperature, liquefaction time, corncob content and catalyst content on the threshold wind velocity of liquefied corncob was studied. Functional model between the threshold wind velocity and the four factors were proved to be significantly correlated. The mathematical model was established and analyzed by regression method. When the spraying quantity of liquefied corncob on sand was167g/m2, the optimal liquefaction effect of corncob, accordingly, the largest threshold wind velocity of 20.18 m/s was obtained under the condition that the liquefaction temperature was 125 °C. The liquefaction duration was 29 min and the corncob content and catalyst content were 30% and 2.8%, respectively. The sand crusts fixed with different amounts of liquefied products were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared radiometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the application of liquefied corncob enhanced the sand cementation so as to improve its resistance capability to wind erosion.