Experimental investigation on water retention property of rubble improved by modified hydrophilic polyurethane | JoVE Visualize

Experimental investigation on water retention property of rubble improved by modified hydrophilic polyurethane

Zhaozhao Liu¹, Qun Chen², Lu Li^1,3

¹State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, College of Water Resource and Hydropower, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.

Scientific Reports|February 14, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Modified hydrophilic polyurethane (W-OH) improves rubble water retention for arid land restoration. Higher W-OH concentrations enhance water absorption and reduce desorption, boosting vegetation success in challenging environments.

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Material Science
Soil Science

Background:

Rubble sites in arid lands, including construction spoil, mining areas, and rocky deserts, exhibit poor water retention, hindering vegetation restoration.
Existing rubble substrates present significant challenges for ecological restoration due to their low water-holding capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential of a modified hydrophilic polyurethane material (W-OH) for enhancing the water retention properties of rubble.
To evaluate the effects of W-OH concentration and temperature on water absorption, desorption, and the microstructure of improved rubble.

Main Methods:

Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the water desorption and absorption characteristics of W-OH gels at various concentrations.
The influence of temperature on W-OH gel water desorption was examined.
Rubble samples treated with W-OH were analyzed for water retention properties and microstructural changes using laboratory testing and microscopic analysis.

Main Results:

W-OH gel's water retention capacity increased with concentration, showing decreased desorption rates and higher residual water content.
Higher temperatures accelerated W-OH gel water desorption, reducing water retention capacity, with concentration differences being more pronounced at lower temperatures.
W-OH treatment significantly improved rubble water retention, evidenced by increased residual volumetric water content and enhanced internal structure with reduced pore volume.

Conclusions:

Modified hydrophilic polyurethane (W-OH) effectively enhances the water retention capacity of rubble.
W-OH shows significant promise for improving vegetation restoration success in arid environments with challenging rubble substrates.
The material's ability to retain water and improve rubble microstructure offers a viable solution for ecological restoration in degraded arid lands.