Development and Performance Study of Composite Protein Foaming Agent Based on Human Hair Residue

The instability and collapse of boreholes during coal seam gas extraction significantly affect the effectiveness of gas extraction. In response, this study selected human hair residue as the base material for composite protein foaming agents, leveraging the high protein content of animal hoof and hair materials to develop a high-strength, high-permeability, and environmentally friendly new type of foam concrete. This research found that the optimal ratio of foaming agent base solution to water is 1:4 when sodium hydroxide is used for protein hydrolysis. Comparing the foaming effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate (K12), α-sodium alpha-alkenyl sulfonate (AOS), sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (SLS), and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene ether sulfate (SLS) exhibited the best foaming performance, while α-sodium alpha-alkenyl sulfonate (AOS) had the best foam stability. The optimal foam performance was achieved by mixing 2.0 g per liter of sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene ether sulfate and 0.3% calcium stearate. The experimental results showed that this foam concrete, with 25 mL of foaming agent, has a high strength exceeding 11 MPa and a high permeability with an average of 2.13 MD. This paper utilizes environmentally friendly materials and preparation processes. By using renewable resources such as human hair residue as raw materials, it helps reduce the dependence on natural resources and promotes sustainable development. This research demonstrates significant sustainability and provides the mining industry with an eco-friendly and efficient solution, with the potential to achieve positive economic and environmental benefits in practical applications.