The effect of bentonite- sodium alginate-nanocellulose hybrid composite on some physical properties and atterberg limits of a loess soil

Articles in Press

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Dept. of Soil Science and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

2 Associate Prof., Dept. of Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Soil Science and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

4 Ph.D Graduated, Dept. of Cellulose Science and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

Background and objectives: The increased exploitation of soil resources and the expansion of agricultural and industrial activities typically lead to structural degradation and a reduction in the physical and mechanical quality of the soil. However, reducing the use of soil due to water resource limitations can alleviate pressure on the soil, thereby slowing down the structural degradation process. This issue is of particular significance in arid and semi-arid regions, where there are constraints on both water and soil resources. One innovative solution to improve the mechanical properties of soil is the use of natural and environmentally friendly additives. In this context, hybrid composites capable of modifying soil structure and enhancing its stability have attracted considerable attention from researchers. Bentonite, due to its swelling properties and high water absorption, sodium alginate as a biopolymer, and nanocellulose for its outstanding mechanical properties and biodegradability, are among the effective materials for improving the mechanical characteristics of soil. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a hybrid composite consisting of bentonite, sodium alginate, and nanocellulose on certain physical properties and atterberg limits of loess soil in Golestan province. This study is conducted to enhance structural stability and increase the soil's resistance to mechanical stresses and erosion.
Materials and methods: In this study, various hybrid composites were used, including 50% bentonite / 30% sodium alginate / 20% nanocellulose (B50/A30/N20), 70% bentonite / 20% sodium alginate / 10% nanocellulose (B70/A20/N10), and 80% bentonite / 15% sodium alginate / 5% nanocellulose (B80/A15/N05). After sample preparation, soil moisture tests, mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates, and Atterberg limits, including liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE), were conducted to evaluate the impact of these composites. The samples were prepared and examined under controlled laboratory conditions. The obtained data from the tests were statistically analyzed to assess the improvement in the mechanical properties of the soil in response to different additive percentages.
Results: The findings of this study demonstrated that the bentonite-alginate-nanocellulose composite had significant effects on the mechanical and physical properties of soil. The results indicated that the B80/A15/N05 composite increased the liquid and plastic limits of the soil, attributed to its high water absorption capacity and enhanced structural cohesion. The plasticity index also increased with a higher proportion of bentonite and nanocellulose in the composite formulation, with the highest value (15.81 g/g) observed at a 3% application rate of the B80/A15/N05 composite. On the other hand, the application of 3% of the B50/A30/N20 composite resulted in the lowest coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE), measured at 0.02. Moreover, this formulation enhanced soil moisture and the MWD of soil aggregates, indicating improved structural stability and water-holding capacity (WHC) of the soil.
Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate that these composites can serve as effective soil amendments to improve the physical and mechanical properties of soils. Depending on functional requirements, optimizing the composite ratios can significantly enhance soil characteristics and improve its performance under various environmental conditions. This approach holds potential for diverse applications in agriculture, environment, and natural resource management. Moreover, utilizing these composites to amend weak soils (enhancing nutrient content and WHC) and boost agricultural productivity could serve as a sustainable strategy aligned with the goals of modern agriculture and sustainable development. Future research on optimizing the composition and precise application rates of these materials, as well as examining their long-term impacts on the environment and ecosystems, could provide deeper insights into their practical potential and expand their use across various fields.

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References

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Available Online from 16 November 2025

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