Influence of the Branched Structure of Polyoxyethylene Units in Nonionic Surfactants on the Wettability of Anthracite: A Combined Modeling and Experimental Study

Coal dust is a significant concern to the safety of coal mine operations. The wettability can be effectively altered by adding surfactants water. development high-efficiency suppressants hampered lack understanding microscopic interaction process between and surfactants. In this investigation, influence branched structure polyoxyethylene unit in nonionic on anthracite surfaces was evaluated combining modeling study experimental research. macromolecular model Jincheng with 55 different components (C7730H3916O133N123S25) constructed. Lauryl ether C12(EO)20 Tween 20 were selected. simulation results showed that due polyoxyethylene, surface after adsorption more hydrophilic. Further analysis found configuration hydrophilic head group covers hydrophobic tail chain, while chain group. network formed relatively loose, rougher. denser. Water molecules have higher aggregation degree near stronger permeability, hydrogen bonds are formed. existence state carbon oxygen elements modified analyzed XPS experiment, which confirmed obtained molecular simulation.