Novel brick material based on corn straw as well as preparation method and use method of novel brick material

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of ecological restoration and water resource management, in particular to a novel brick material based on corn straw as well as a preparation method and a use method of the novel brick material, and provides the novel brick material based on the corn straw in order to solve the problems of high water loss speed and slow ecological restoration of peat land. Comprising the following raw material components: corn straw powder, corn straw charcoal, calcium bentonite and corn stigma fiber, the corn straw powder, the charcoal, the calcium bentonite and the corn stigma fiber are mixed according to a specific proportion, and the mixture is subjected to compression molding to prepare the brick with good moisture retention performance and ecological compatibility. The method is specially used for water retention and vegetation recovery of the peat land.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of ecological restoration and water resource management, and in particular to a new brick material based on corn stalks and a preparation method and a use method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Peatlands are important global carbon storage and water resource regulation ecosystems. However, due to the impacts of drainage, agricultural development and climate change, a large number of peatlands around the world are facing degradation. Existing peatland restoration technologies mainly focus on hydrological restoration and vegetation reconstruction.

[0003] Common technologies currently include:

[0004] (1) Plastic dams or peat dams: By building dams in the drainage channels of peatlands, water in some rivers is intercepted and the water content is restored. This method can effectively improve the water retention capacity of peatlands in the short term and help restore the ecological balance in some areas. However, the construction and maintenance costs of dams are high, and they lack flexibility when promoted and applied on large areas of peatlands.

[0005] (2) Rewetting: Rewetting technology can effectively reduce carbon emissions from peatlands and promote vegetation recovery by blocking drainage channels or redirecting water flow. This method has achieved initial success in some areas, but the effect is not stable due to differences in hydrological conditions in some areas.

[0006] (3) River filling materials: In recent years, natural materials such as branches, stones and wood chips have been used to fill drainage ditches to reduce water loss. This method is low-cost and suitable for widespread application, but the eco-friendliness and water retention capacity of the materials still need to be improved.

[0007] Although these technologies have alleviated peatland degradation to some extent, existing restoration materials or technologies usually have the following shortcomings:

[0008] High cost: Dam and levee projects require a lot of capital and technical support, which limits their large-scale promotion and application in remote or economically underdeveloped areas.

[0009] Insufficient ecological adaptability of materials: Although materials such as branches and stones can improve the hydrological function of peatlands in the short term, their long-term effectiveness and adaptability to the native ecology of peatlands remain unclear. Summary of the invention

[0010] Based on the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention proposes a corn straw-based brick material comprising the following component raw materials: corn straw powder, corn straw biochar, calcium-based bentonite, and corn silk fiber.

[0011] Furthermore, the novel brick material is configured from the following component raw materials in parts by weight: 72-82 parts of corn straw powder, 13-23 parts of corn straw biochar, 1-6 parts of calcium-based bentonite, and 1.5-0.1 parts of corn silk fiber.

[0012] Furthermore, the novel brick material is configured from the following component raw materials in parts by weight: 77.24 parts of corn straw powder, 18.12 parts of corn straw biochar, 3.98 parts of calcium-based bentonite, and 0.66 parts of corn silk fiber.

[0013] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for preparing a brick material based on corn stalks, the method comprising the following steps:

[0014] After screening, washing and drying part of the corn stalks, they are crushed into powder with a particle size of 3-5 mm using a crushing device;

[0015] Another portion of the corn stover was converted into corn stover biochar using a low-temperature pyrolysis process;

[0016] Screen and wash the corn silk fibers and keep them fluffy for later use;

[0017] 77.24 parts of corn straw powder, 18.12 parts of corn straw biochar, 3.98 parts of calcium-based bentonite, and 0.66 parts of corn silk fiber were placed in a mixing device and stirred to obtain a mixed raw material;

[0018] The mixed raw materials are placed in a mold, pressed by a pressing device, and then dried and formed to obtain a new type of brick material.

[0019] Furthermore, the pyrolysis temperature of converting part of the corn straw into corn straw biochar using the low-temperature pyrolysis process is 500° C., the pyrolysis duration is about 3 hours, and the particle size of the produced corn straw biochar is 3 mm.

[0020] Furthermore, after the corn silk is cleaned, it is mixed and stirred with other materials when the corn silk reaches a fluffy state; the specification of the mold is 24 cm×11.5 cm.

[0021] Furthermore, a new type of brick material is obtained by natural drying at room temperature.

[0022] Furthermore, the pressure applied by the pressing equipment is 300 tons, and the pressing time is 10-20 seconds.

[0023] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for using a corn stalk-based brick material in a peatland restoration project, the method comprising the following steps:

[0024] Clean peatland drains or other areas with severe water loss to ensure that there is no excessive debris or large stones in the drains;

[0025] Place the new brick materials in sequence according to the length and width of the drainage ditch to ensure that the drainage ditch is evenly filled with the new brick materials;

[0026] Carry out local compaction operation on the new brick material to ensure that the new brick material is closely combined with the peat soil to prevent the bricks from shifting under the impact of water flow;

[0027] Introduce water sources, monitor soil moisture and water level changes, and evaluate the moisture retention effect of new brick materials; make secondary adjustments to the arrangement and compaction of new brick materials;

[0028] The new brick material is regularly checked for water retention and vegetation restoration in peatland environments to ensure its long-term effectiveness.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the effects of the present invention are embodied in the following aspects:

[0030] (1) High water retention capacity

[0031] Corn straw bricks have excellent water absorption and water retention properties. Through the reasonable ratio of straw powder and biochar, corn straw bricks can quickly absorb water and slowly release it in the peatland environment to maintain the moisture of the soil. Experimental results show that the moisture retention effect of corn straw bricks is far superior to that of existing traditional filling materials such as branches and stones. Especially in the face of heavy rainfall and drought conditions, its performance is particularly stable, effectively preventing water loss and increased carbon emissions in peatlands.

[0032] (2) Eco-friendly and highly compatible with native ecosystems

[0033] Unlike traditional materials such as stones and branches, corn straw bricks are made from renewable agricultural waste and are highly compatible with the original ecosystem of peatlands. Corn straw bricks not only support vegetation growth, but also promote the ecological restoration of peatland soils through their natural organic components, especially the growth of native plants such as mosses. The carbon content of this material is similar to the original soil characteristics of peatlands, which helps to restore carbon sequestration capacity.

[0034] (3) Low cost and sustainable use of resources

[0035] Corn stalks are a large amount of agricultural waste, and their raw material cost is low and widely available. Compared with traditional dam or river filling materials, the production cost of corn stalk bricks is greatly reduced, especially in large-scale peatland restoration projects, which can significantly reduce engineering costs. In addition, the present invention promotes the recycling of agricultural waste, reduces the pressure of waste disposal, and meets the needs of sustainable development.

[0036] (4) Strong structural stability and adaptability

[0037] The corn straw brick material of the present invention is pressed by a special process, has good structural stability and compression resistance, and can maintain long-term use effect in peatlands. The brick expands in volume after absorbing water, and can tightly fill the drainage ditch of the peatland, effectively enhancing the moisture retention and stability of the soil. The material can be used in a variety of peatland restoration scenarios and adapt to different hydrological conditions and ecological environments.

[0038] (5) Promote vegetation restoration

[0039] Experiments have shown that corn straw bricks can provide suitable growth conditions for native vegetation in peatlands, especially significantly improving the survival rate of mosses. This effect not only improves the ecological function of peatlands, but also reduces the potential risk of greenhouse gas emissions. Compared with traditional materials, corn straw bricks can better support the long-term recovery of peatland vegetation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 The figure is a schematic diagram of a method for preparing a new brick material based on corn stalks;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of soil moisture testing for the water retention effect of a new brick material based on corn stalks;

[0042] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of groundwater level testing for a new corn stalk-based brick material to prevent rapid water loss;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the test of vegetation support effect of a new brick material based on corn stalks;

[0044] Among them, a single asterisk (*) indicates that the difference between the groups is significant, usually corresponding to p<0.05, which means that there is a 95% probability of excluding random factors.

[0045] Double asterisk (**): indicates a highly significant difference, usually corresponding to p < 0.01, which means there is a 99% probability of excluding random factors.

[0046] Three stars (***): Indicates that the difference is extremely significant, usually corresponding to p < 0.001, which means that there is a 99.9% probability of excluding random factors.

[0047] Four asterisks (****): Indicates that the difference is extremely significant, usually corresponding to p < 0.0001 or lower, that is, the probability of excluding random factors is greater than or equal to 99.99%.

[0048] Figure 2 The Chinese-English translation is: Horizontal axis (Group): "Group"

[0049] Control Group (None): "Blank control group"

[0050] Dam Group:

[0051] Branches&Stones Group:

[0052] Maize Stalk Group:

[0053] Vertical axis (Y axis): "Water loss (difference value)"

[0054] Figure 3 The Chinese-English translation is: Horizontal axis (Treatment Group): "Group"

[0055] Control Group (None): "Blank control group"

[0056] Dam Group:

[0057] Branches&Stones Group:

[0058] Maize Stalk Group:

[0059] Vertical axis (Y axis): "Water level difference"

[0060] Figure 4 Chinese-English translation: Control Group (None): "blank control group"

[0061] Dam Group:

[0062] Branches&Stones Group:

[0063] Maize Stalk Group:

[0064] Vertical axis (Y axis): survival rate DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In order to make the objects and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with embodiments; it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0066] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0067] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inside" and "outside" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is merely for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0068] In addition, it should be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0069] In combination with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, the preparation process, application scenarios and operation methods of the present invention are described in detail. The present invention relates to a corn straw-based brick material composed of the following component raw materials in parts by weight: 72-82 parts of corn straw powder, 13-23 parts of corn straw biochar, 6-1 part of calcium-based bentonite, and 1.5-0.1 part of corn silk fiber.

[0070] Specifically, it is prepared from the following component raw materials in parts by weight: 77.24 parts of corn straw powder, 18.12 parts of corn straw biochar, 3.98 parts of calcium-based bentonite, and 0.66 parts of corn silk fiber.

[0071] Analysis of experimental results on the proportion and substitutability of brick material components: As a key component of brick materials, the adjustment of calcium-based bentonite's proportion directly affects the density and structural stability of bricks. Calcium-based bentonite has a high density. The appropriate amount of use can enhance the strength and water retention of bricks, but if the proportion is too high, the overall density of the brick will increase significantly. This increase in density may bring a series of problems in practical applications, especially in wetlands, peatlands and other environments, where the density of the soil itself is usually low.

[0072] First, a high proportion of calcium-based bentonite will significantly increase the density of the bricks, which in turn will cause surface subsidence. Over time, the continuous pressure of high-density bricks on the surrounding peat soil may cause local subsidence of the surface and destroy the original hydrological structure. This surface subsidence not only weakens the water retention function of the bricks, but may also form new drainage channels or water flow channels, further exacerbating water loss and ecological degradation in the peatland.

[0073] Secondly, ground subsidence will have an adverse effect on the stability of the river slope, eventually leading to slope collapse. When the river or drainage ditch is filled with high-density bricks, the contact interface between the bricks and the peat soil may lose stability due to the density difference. Especially under the impact of water flow, the bricks are easy to be separated from the original position or compress the surrounding soil. The soil layer sinks or slides under this uneven stress distribution, resulting in instability and collapse of the river slope. This not only threatens the effectiveness of ecological restoration projects, but also may cause potential harm to the surrounding environment and infrastructure.

[0074] Therefore, during the brick making process, the proportion of bentonite must be strictly controlled to ensure that the density of the bricks is compatible with the surrounding soil environment. A reasonable proportion of calcium-based bentonite can not only ensure the structural stability and water retention of the bricks, but also prevent problems such as surface subsidence and slope collapse caused by excessive density, ensuring the long-term sustainability and environmental safety of ecological restoration projects.

[0075] Impact of replacement components on brick materials: Calcium-based bentonite is replaced by sodium-based bentonite, which can also achieve sufficient water retention to a certain extent and provide corresponding structural strength. However, this replacement has some disadvantages that require special attention. First, sodium-based bentonite easily releases a large amount of sodium ions, which interact with other ions in the soil and cause soil salinization. Salinization can destroy the soil structure, reduce its permeability, hinder the plant's absorption of water and nutrients, and ultimately affect vegetation growth. In addition, the long-term use of sodium-based bentonite may aggravate soil alkalinization, especially in sensitive wetland or peatland environments, where this problem is particularly serious and may inhibit the recovery of native vegetation and the healthy development of the ecosystem.

[0076] Secondly, sodium bentonite performs poorly in terms of biocompatibility. Although bentonite itself is non-toxic, sodium bentonite cannot be used as a biological edible material. Its high sodium content may have a negative impact on microbial and animal populations in the soil, especially when it accumulates in water or soil for a long time, affecting the living environment of microorganisms, insects and other organisms. The use of this material not only fails to support the healthy recovery of the ecosystem, but may also bring further ecological damage.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the preparation method steps are:

[0078] 1. Preparation of raw materials

[0079] Corn stalk powder: After screening, washing and drying, corn stalks are processed into powder with a particle size of 3-5 mm using a crushing device. The powder exhibits excellent performance in high water absorption and air permeability.

[0080] Biochar: A low-temperature pyrolysis process is used to convert part of the corn stalks into biochar. The pyrolysis temperature is controlled at 500°C for about 3 hours, and the biochar produced has a particle size of 3 mm, which is used to improve the carbon sequestration capacity and water absorption of the bricks.

[0081] Calcium-based bentonite: Calcium-based bentonite is used as a material to enhance the stability and adhesion of brick structures. It can significantly improve the strength of bricks and avoid breakage and deformation.

[0082] Corn silk fiber: After cleaning, corn silk can be used directly as a long fiber material to enhance the brick's resistance to fracture and improve its toughness.

[0083] 2. Material Proportion and Mixing

[0084] Corn straw powder accounts for 77.22%, biochar accounts for 16.62%, calcium-based bentonite accounts for 3.97%, and corn silk fiber accounts for 0.65%. After weighing the above materials according to the proportion, put them into the mixing equipment for full stirring. During the stirring process, the corn silk fiber may aggregate into a mass due to its fibrous structure. Special attention should be paid to stirring evenly to ensure that the components are evenly distributed.

[0085] 3. Brick pressing and molding

[0086] Mould preparation: The specification of the mould used in the present invention is 24 cm×11.5 cm.

[0087] Pressing process: Pour the mixed raw materials evenly into the mold, use the pressing equipment to apply 300 tons of pressure (about 35.53MPa), and control the pressing time within 10-20 seconds to ensure the density and strength of the bricks. Appropriate amount of water spraying helps to enhance the adhesion.

[0088] Drying and molding: After pressing, the bricks are naturally dried at room temperature, which takes about 24-48 hours. After they are completely dry and have reached sufficient hardness and stability, subsequent operations can be carried out.

[0089] 4. Brick performance test

[0090] (1) Soil moisture test

[0091] Figure 2The total water loss experimental effect diagram of each treatment group shows the application effect of bricks in the experiment. After 0-24 hours of testing, the water retention effect of corn straw bricks is significantly better than the existing solution, and the soil moisture around the bricks is maintained at more than 40%, which is much higher than the 20% of the control group.

[0092] (2) Groundwater level test

[0093] Figure 3 This is a comparison of the experimental results of the water level differences in each treatment group. The test results are as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the groundwater level remained relatively stable after the bricks were installed, with small fluctuations. Compared with the control group, corn straw bricks significantly reduced the decline in groundwater levels, indicating that the material can effectively prevent rapid water loss and help maintain the hydrological balance of peatlands.

[0094] (3) Vegetation support effect test

[0095] Figure 4 To compare the survival rate of the experimental results, in order to evaluate the supporting effect of corn straw bricks on vegetation growth, mosses were planted around the bricks and observed for 4 weeks. The experimental results showed that the survival rate of mosses in the corn straw brick group was about 81.18%. Figure 4 The test showed that corn straw bricks not only have good water retention capacity, but also can provide an ideal growth environment for native vegetation and promote the recovery and stability of peatland vegetation.

[0096] 5. Specific usage methods and steps

[0097] In actual peatland restoration projects, the steps for using corn straw bricks are as follows:

[0098] Preparation: Clean the peatland drains or other areas with severe water loss first, making sure there is no excessive debris or large rocks in the ditches.

[0099] Brick placement: Place corn stalk bricks in sequence according to the length and width of the gutter. If necessary, adjust the brick arrangement according to the shape of the ditch to ensure that the gutter is evenly filled with bricks.

[0100] Local compaction: After the bricks are placed, local compaction is carried out on them, especially in the middle part of the drainage ditch to ensure that the bricks are tightly combined with the peat soil and prevent the bricks from shifting under the impact of water flow.

[0101] Moisture injection and monitoring: After installation, water is gradually introduced to simulate rainfall or rewetting. By monitoring soil moisture and water level changes, the moisture retention effect of the bricks can be evaluated. If necessary, the arrangement and compaction of the bricks can be adjusted again.

[0102] Long-term maintenance and inspection: Corn straw bricks have good stability and durability in peatland environments, but their water retention performance and vegetation recovery still need to be checked regularly to ensure their long-term effectiveness.

[0103] The invention mixes corn straw powder, biochar, calcium-based bentonite and corn silk fiber in a specific proportion and presses them into bricks with good moisture retention and ecological compatibility. The bricks are specifically used for moisture retention and vegetation restoration in peatlands.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation modes. Various changes made by ordinary technicians in this field based on the above-mentioned concepts without creative work are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A new type of brick material based on corn stalks, characterized in that: The novel brick material comprises the following raw materials: corn straw powder, corn straw biochar, calcium-based bentonite, and corn silk fiber.

2. The novel brick material according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The novel brick material is prepared from the following component raw materials in parts by weight: 72-82 parts of corn straw powder, 13-23 parts of corn straw biochar, 1-6 parts of calcium-based bentonite, and 1.5-0.1 parts of corn silk fiber.

3. The novel brick material according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The novel brick material is prepared from the following component raw materials in parts by weight: 77.24 parts of corn straw powder, 18.12 parts of corn straw biochar, 3.98 parts of calcium-based bentonite, and 0.66 parts of corn silk fiber.

4. A method for preparing the novel brick material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: After screening, washing and drying a portion of corn stalks, a pulverizing device is used to pulverize the stalks into powder with a particle size of 3-5 mm; Another portion of the corn stover was converted into corn stover biochar using a low-temperature pyrolysis process; Sift and wash the corn silk and keep it fluffy for later use; Put corn stalk powder, corn stalk biochar, calcium-based bentonite, and corn silk in parts by weight into a mixing device and stir to obtain a mixed raw material; The mixed raw materials are placed in a mold, pressed by a pressing device, and then dried and formed to obtain a new type of brick material.

5. The method for preparing a novel brick material based on corn stalks according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pyrolysis temperature of converting part of the corn straw into corn straw biochar using the low-temperature pyrolysis process is 500° C., the pyrolysis duration is about 3 hours, and the particle size of the produced corn straw biochar is 3 mm.

6. The method for preparing a novel brick material based on corn stalks according to claim 4, characterized in that: After the corn silk is cleaned, the corn silk is mixed and stirred until it reaches a fluffy state; the specification of the mold is 24 cm×11.5 cm.

7. The method for preparing a novel brick material based on corn stalks according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure applied by the pressing equipment is 300 tons, and the pressing time is 10-20 seconds.

8. A method for using the novel brick material according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in a peatland restoration project, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: Clean peatland drains or other areas with severe water loss to ensure that there is no excessive debris or large stones in the drains; Place the new brick materials in sequence according to the length and width of the gutter to ensure that the gutter is evenly filled with the new brick materials; Carry out local compaction operation on the new brick material to ensure that the new brick material is closely combined with the peat soil to prevent the bricks from shifting under the impact of water flow; Introduce water sources, monitor soil moisture and water level changes, and evaluate the moisture retention effect of new brick materials; Make secondary adjustments to the arrangement and compaction of new brick materials; The new brick material is regularly checked for water retention and vegetation restoration in peatland environments to ensure its long-term effectiveness.

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