BEIJING – In a groundbreaking achievement, Chinese researchers have developed a new frost-resistant sand-control agent tailored for cold desert regions, potentially revolutionizing desertification prevention efforts.
A New Breakthrough in Sand Control
A research team from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences has engineered a specialized cellulose acetate-based waterborne polyurethane sand-fixing agent that retains its strength even in extreme low temperatures. This innovation provides a much-needed solution for regions where traditional sand-control methods fail due to freezing conditions.
Why This Innovation Matters
Desertification is a major environmental challenge, particularly in China’s Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Mongolian Plateau, where extreme cold hampers traditional chemical sand-fixation materials. The newly developed agent stands out because:
It remains effective at -20°C, ensuring reliable sand stabilization in high-altitude and high-latitude desert regions.
It is environmentally friendly, breaking down into water vapor, ammonia, and carbon dioxide with no harmful pollutants.
It enhances plant growth, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods.
How It Works
This innovative sand-fixation material is made by modifying cellulose acetate, an organic compound derived from crop straw. Researchers enhanced its frost resistance by incorporating glycerol triglycidyl ether and glycerin, making it adaptable to cold climates.
Successful Field Trials
Trials conducted in Gonghe County, Qinghai Province confirmed the agent’s effectiveness in stabilizing shifting sands while promoting vegetation growth. Liu Benli, a lead researcher from NIEER, highlighted the material's importance:
"Sand-fixation materials in cold desert regions must resist low temperatures while also allowing oxygen permeability and moisture retention to support plant germination."
The Future of Eco-Friendly Desert Control
Beyond its immediate environmental impact, this innovation could drive the industrialization of biodegradable sand-fixation materials, paving the way for sustainable solutions in global desert management.
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Source: Xinhua
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