Abstract:

The acting mechanism of polymers on stabilizing sandy soil was investigated respectively on three aspects namely intermolecular action, polymer properties and interface action. It was proposed that, in dry status sand grains were linked by anionic groups through chemical bond, which was stronger than hydrogen bond that linked non_ionic groups to sand grains. But too many ionic groups on polymer structure would reduce the water_stability of sandy soil treated by polymers. The proper polymer materials for stabilizing sandy soil should have good water dispersibility, high average molecular weight, proper content of both anionic and non_ionic groups, and extended molecular conformation. It was also proposed that, in dry status, there was adhesive action between polymers and sand grains, and relations between polymers’ properties and their performance on stabilizing sandy soil could also be explained with adhesion principles.

Key words: polymer, stabilizing sandy soil, acting mechanism