Fabrication Characterization and application of Advanced Nano clay Composite Materials in Soil Subgrade for Sustainable Development of Highway

Abstract

The rapid deterioration of pavement infrastructure, especially in regions with expansive clay newlinesoils, demands innovative and sustainable ground improvement techniques. This study aims to newlineexplore the fabrication, characterization, and application of Aloe Vera-derived nanoclay newlinecomposites as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional soil stabilizers for highway subgrade newlineenhancement. The primary purpose is to improve geotechnical performance while promoting newlinesustainability in highway development, aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals newline(SDGs). newlineThe research involved synthesizing nanoclay using Aloe Vera gel, which acts as a green newlinedispersing agent to mitigate agglomeration and improve interfacial bonding with soil particles. newlineA comprehensive suite of advanced characterization techniques confirmed the desired newlinephysicochemical and structural properties. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed newlinedominant silica and alumina content, while Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy newlinevalidated colloidal stability. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy confirmed the newlinepresence of functional groups enhancing chemical bonding. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis newlineof the synthesized nanoclay demonstrated its crystalline purity, and Scanning Electron newlineMicroscopy (SEM) imaging displayed its nanoscale layered morphology. Additionally, XRD newlineand SEM analyses of the nanoclay-soil composite confirmed homogeneous dispersion and newlineimproved mineralogical compatibility, with SEM showing a denser and more cohesive soil newlinematrix due to the effective integration of nanoclay. newline