Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Stabilized Soil Using Microcellulose and Styrene-Butadiene Emulsion

In geotechnical engineering, the enhancement of soil properties is crucial for cost-effective construction practices. This study investigates the impact of incorporating microcrystalline cellulose into styrene-butadiene emulsion modified cement-stabilized soils. The mechanical properties, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and indirect tensile strength (ITS), were evaluated alongside morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that the addition of microcrystalline cellulose influences the mechanical behavior of the composite material in a nuanced manner. At lower microcrystalline cellulose content (1%), an improvement in tensile strength is observed due to enhanced interfacial bonding between cellulose hydroxyl groups and styrene-butadiene emulsion surfactants. However, at higher microcrystalline cellulose content (2% and 3%), a reduction in tensile strength occurs, attributed to hindered cement hydration. Nonetheless, the incorporation of styrene-butadiene emulsion contributes to the transition from brittle to ductile behavior, enhancing toughness. Morphological analysis corroborates these findings, highlighting the complex interactions between microcrystalline cellulose, styrene-butadiene emulsion, and cement-stabilized soils. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing the mechanical performance of polymer-modified cement-stabilized soils, paving the way for the development of sustainable construction materials with improved resilience and durability.