Usability of oxidized corn starch–gelatin blends for suppression and prevention of dust

ABSTRACT Degraded gelatin (Gel) and oxidized corn starch (OCS) as renewable and abundant recyclable and biodegradable materials can be applied to dust mitigation, which has been investigated in this research. Blends of oxidized corn starch and gelatin (OCS‐Gel) were prepared by introducing the OCS into the Gel. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose was used as a thickener and dispersant in the blends. The OCS‐Gel blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed that the blends have a uniform porous structure and can form stable Schiff's base structures. The TGA and DTGA thermograms indicated high thermal stability up to 325 °C. Moreover, the blend had good stability and compatibility by mixing with an electrolyte solution, and the biodegradability and water‐sorption measurements also revealed that the OCS‐Gel had excellent hygroscopicity and degradability. The results of contact angle measurements between OCS‐Gel solutions and dust showed that the blends have a satisfactory effect on dust wetting, and the results of light‐transmittance tests revealed that the blends had a good effect on dust‐removal ability. In addition, the dust particles can be evenly adsorbed on the surface of OCS‐Gel when they were evenly dispersed on the surface of the OCS‐Gel solution and can then form a film. The simulation experiment for flying dust in an enclosed area indoors indicated that the dust‐suppression degree for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5 ) and less than 10 micrometers (PM 10 ) in size can reach 68.2% and 78.7%, respectively. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44437.