WO2021133717A1

WO2021133717A1 - Compositions and methods for dust control

Info

Publication number: WO2021133717A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/066345
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert D. FRIEDMAN; Ahmed Fouad Mohamed ABDELKADER
Original assignee: Aggrebind Inc.
Priority date: 2019-12-23
Filing date: 2020-12-21
Publication date: 2021-07-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling dust, controlling or reducing erosion or migration, and forming aggregates of particulate solids. The present invention further relates to compositions and methods for improving properties of a surface or material as well as reducing the risk of ignition of a combustible particulate solid.

Description

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DUST CONTROL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to various compositions and methods for controlling dust, controlling or reducing erosion or migration, and forming aggregates of particulate solids. The present invention further relates to compositions and methods for improving properties of a surface or material as well as reducing the risk of ignition of a combustible particulate solid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Dust production is a problem in a variety of industries. For example, mining and milling industries can produce a variety of particulates such as quarry/mining tailings, coal and ore fragments, and milled grains/plant products that can contribute to dust production. Agricultural and farming areas can also be a source of dust, particularly in areas where soil is bare or unplanted or areas where grain is stored or stockpiled. Construction sites can also be a source of dust, particularly when soil is disturbed, vegetation is cleared, and buildings are demolished. Dust produced from particulates such as soil, debris, tailings, and other sources can migrate off site. Thus, dust can be a nuisance to not only on site workers but also off site individuals. Also, depending on the source, the dust may represent a fire hazard and/or other health risks (e.g., chemical, nuclear, etc.). Further, dust can interfere with or damage machinery. Excessive dust on buildings requires costly cleaning. Dust can also contribute to cross contamination from a site since it can easily adhere to vehicles traveling out of these sites.

[0003] Soil and sand erosion is also a problem in various regions, particularly in hot arid climates. Excessive erosion can remove protective natural barriers in an area which can expose the area to increased environmental risks. Further, soil or sand erosion of an unpaved road can cause road closures, wash-out of fine particles, formation of potholes, road failure and collapse, damage to vehicles, and harm to humans.

[0004] Dust can also considerably reduce power production and efficiency in equipment like solar panels, which rely on unobstructed exposure to the sun. Other problematic areas include volcanoes where extremely fine volcanic ash can be toxic and dangerous to nearby water supply, inhabitants and vegetation.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for effective dust control strategies that are effective in minimizing dust production from a source and reducing on site and off site migration. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to compositions for controlling dust and other uses as detailed herein. In various embodiments, the composition comprises a styrene acrylic copolymer and a solvent.

[0007] Further aspects of the present invention are directed to methods of using the compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the method is directed to controlling the release of dust from particulate solids. The method comprises mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof.

[0008] In other embodiments, the method is directed to controlling or reducing erosion or migration of particulate solids such as soil materials (e.g., sand, silt, clay, loam, rock, gravel, or organic matter). The method comprises applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof.

[0009] In further embodiments, the method is directed to improving one or more properties of a material or surface (e.g., increasing water-resistance, mechanical strength, and durability and/or decreasing porosity). The method comprises mixing with the material or applying to the surface a composition as described herein or dilution thereof.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method is directed to reducing the risk of ignition of combustible particulate solids (e.g., to reduce the risk of ignition cause by wind-induced friction). The method comprises mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the method is directed to forming aggregates of particulate solids, particularly fine particulate solids (e.g., ash, carbon, saw dust, minerals, etc.). The method comprises mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof.

[0012] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] FIG. 1 presents an image of a test site including a road and staging area comprised of a sandy, gravely soil.

[0014] FIG. 2 presents an image of an application of the test mixture to a carbon pile. [0015] FIG. 3 presents an image showing an aggregate of carbon formed after application of the test mixture.

[0016] FIG. 4 presents an image of a test area comprised of sand.

[0017] FIG. 5 presents an image of a test pile comprised of volcanic ash.

[0018] FIG. 6 presents an image of application of the test mixture to selected piles of soil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for controlling dust. Applicant has discovered that certain polymer-containing compositions as described herein are particularly useful in controlling dust from a wide range of sources that comprise particulate solids such as soil, minerals, ash, coal, ore, etc.

[0020] Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for controlling or reducing erosion or migration of particulate solids such as soil materials (e.g., sand, silt, clay, loam, rock, gravel, organic matter). For example, applicant has discovered that certain polymer-containing compositions as described herein can be applied to surfaces comprised of these materials to control or reduce erosion, migration, or drift of particulate solids (e.g., slopes of soil and sand dunes).

[0021] Further aspects of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for improving properties of a surface or material (e.g., increasing water-resistance, mechanical strength, and durability and/or decreasing porosity). Applicant has discovered that certain polymer-containing compositions as described herein can be added to materials such as cement, concrete, or asphalt or applied to surfaces thereof to improve the functional properties of these materials.

[0022] Other aspects of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for reducing the risk of ignition of a combustible particulate solid (e.g., carbon, coal, saw dust, etc.). For example, applicant has discovered that certain polymer-containing compositions as described herein can be mixed with or applied to these materials to reduce the risk of ignition cause by wind-induced friction.

[0023] Still other aspects of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for forming aggregates of fine particulate solids (e.g., ash, carbon, saw dust, minerals, etc.). Applicant has discovered that certain polymer-containing compositions as described herein can be mixed with or applied to these fine particulate solids to form aggregates of these materials that are more convenient to handle and less likely to disperse in air.

I. Compositions

[0024] As noted, various aspects of the present invention are directed to compositions for controlling dust and other uses as detailed herein. In various embodiments, the composition comprises a styrene acrylic copolymer and a solvent.

[0025] In some embodiments, the composition has a concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer that is about 0.01 wt.% or greater, about 0.1 wt.% or greater, about 1 wt.% or greater, about 5 wt.% or greater, about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, about 30 wt.% or greater, about 40 wt.% or greater, or about 50 wt.% or greater. In some instances, the concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer can be relatively dilute (e.g., in the case of an application mixture). Accordingly, in various embodiments, the composition has a concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer that is from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, or from about 1 wt.% to about 5 wt.%. In other instances, the concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer can be relatively concentrated (e.g., in the case of a concentrate product). As such, in some embodiments, the composition has a concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer that is from about 10 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 25 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, or from about 25 wt.% to about 50 wt.%.

[0026] In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more additional polymers. For example, the additional polymer can include various synthetic and natural polymers. Examples of synthetic polymers include thermoplastic rubbers, styrene, ethylene vinyl acetate, acrylic vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, acrylic copolymer, polymeric inorganic acrylic copolymer, acrylic vinyl acetate copolymer, and acrylic polymer, polyacrylamide (PAM) polymers, polyacrylamide and poly(acrybc acid) random copolymers.

[0027] In some embodiments, the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes the primary portion of the total synthetic polymer content of the composition. For example, the styrene acrylic copolymer can constitute about 80 wt.% or greater, about 85 wt.% or greater, about 90 wt.% or greater, about 95 wt.% or greater, about 99 wt.% or greater, or about 99.9 wt.% or greater of the total synthetic polymer content of the composition. In certain embodiments, the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes from about 80 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 90 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 95 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 80 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, or from about 90 wt.% to about 95 wt.% of the total synthetic polymer content of the composition. In further embodiments, the composition does not contain any other synthetic polymers.

[0028] In various embodiments, the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes the primary portion of the total polymer content of the composition (e.g., the sum of all polymers in the composition including natural polymers and synthetic polymers). For example, the styrene acrylic copolymer can constitute about 80 wt.% or greater, about 85 wt.% or greater, about 90 wt.% or greater, about 95 wt.% or greater, about 99 wt.% or greater, or about 99.9 wt.% or greater of the total polymer content of the composition. In some embodiments, the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes from about 80 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 90 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 95 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 80 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, or from about 90 wt.% to about 95 wt.% of the total polymer content of the composition. In certain embodiments, the composition does not contain any other polymers (including natural polymers and synthetic polymers).

[0029] As noted, the composition comprises a solvent. In various embodiments, the composition has a concentration of the solvent that is about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, about 30 wt.% or greater, about 40 wt.% or greater, or about 50 wt.% or greater. In some embodiments, the composition has a concentration of the solvent that is from about 10 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 25 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, or from about 25 wt.% to about 50 wt.%.

[0030] In various embodiments, the solvent comprises water. In some embodiments, the solvent consists essentially of water (e.g., about 95 wt.% or greater or about 99 wt.% or greater). In other embodiments, the solvent consists of water. A water solvent can include various types of water including recycled water, gray water, salt water, fresh water, purified water, fresh water, sea water, or brackish water. In various embodiments, the solvent and/or the composition does not include any organic solvents (e.g., hydrocarbon-based solvents).

[0031] The compositions as described herein can further comprise a tracer. A tracer can allow inspectors, manufacturers, engineers, or authorities to empirically assess the source, quality, and quantity of an application of the compositions. Typically, the tracer is a chemical component that is incorporated with the composition that can be later identified in a sample of a material in question by conventional analytical techniques. The tracer can also be chemically activated.

[0032] In some embodiments when a tracer is present, the composition has a concentration of the tracer that is about 0.00001 wt.% or greater, about 0.0001 wt.% or greater, about 0.001 wt.% or greater, about 0.01 wt.% or greater, about 0.1 wt.% or greater, about 1 wt.% or greater, about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, or about 30 wt.% or greater. For example, in certain embodiments, the composition has a concentration of the tracer that is from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 0.1 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 0.001 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 0.0001 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 0.1 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, or from about 25 wt.% to about 50 wt.%.

[0033] The compositions as described herein can further comprise a colorant. In certain embodiments, the colorant comprises a synthetic colorant. In certain embodiments, the colorant comprises an organic or natural colorant. In further embodiments, the colorant comprises an inorganic colorant. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a water-based colorant. In further embodiments, the colorant comprises an organic solvent-based colorant.

[0034] Colorants can include pigments, such as a fluorescence, phosphorescence, or luminescent pigment. For example, colorants can include a pigment having a high tinting strength relative to the materials it colors. Colorants can further include a pigment stable in solid form at ambient temperatures and/or a permanent and or stable pigment. The colorant can also include a fugitive (not permanent) pigment. The colorant can include various dry pigments or fine powder pigments.

[0035] A colorant can include a dye. A distinction is usually made between a pigment, which is insoluble in the vehicle (resulting in a suspension), and a dye, which either is itself a liquid or is soluble in its vehicle (resulting in a solution). A colorant can include a biological pigment, i.e., a colored substance independent of solubility. A colorant can include both a pigment and a dye depending on the vehicle it is used in. A colorant can include a pigment manufactured from a dye by precipitating a soluble dye with a metallic salt (e.g., a lake pigment). The colorant can include a vehicle (or binder), a relatively neutral or colorless material.

[0036] A colorant can include a metallic or carbon pigments. Specific colorants include, for example, cadmium pigments (e.g., cadmium yellow, cadmium red, cadmium green, cadmium orange); carbon pigments (e.g., carbon black, ivory black); chromium pigments (e.g., chrome yellow or chrome green); cobalt pigments (e.g., cobalt violet, cobalt blue, cerulean blue, aureobn (cobalt yellow)); copper pigments (e.g., Azurite, Han purple, Han blue, Egyptian blue, Malachite, Paris green, Phthalocyanine Blue BN, Phthalocyanine Green G, verdigris, viridian); iron oxide pigments (e.g., sanguine, caput mortuum, oxide red, red ochre, Venetian red, Prussian blue); clay earth pigments, i.e., iron oxides (e.g., yellow ochre, raw sienna, burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt umber); lead pigments (e.g., lead white, cremnitz white, Naples yellow, red lead); mercury pigments (e.g., vermilion); titanium pigments (e.g., titanium yellow, titanium beige, titanium white, titanium black); ultramarine pigments (e.g., ultramarine, ultramarine green shade); zinc pigments (e.g., zinc white, zinc ferrite); biological and organic pigments (e.g., alizarin (synthesized), alizarin crimson (synthesized), gamboge, cochineal red, rose madder, indigo, Indian yellow, Tyrian purple); and non-biological organic pigments (e.g., quinacridone, magenta, phthalo green, phthalo blue, pigment red 170).

[0037] In various embodiments, the colorant comprises a combination of at least one pigment and at least on dye.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the colorant is a color of black, blue, green, orange, purple, red, yellow, or combination thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments when a colorant is present, the composition has a concentration of the colorant that is about 0.01 wt.% or greater, about 0.1 wt.% or greater, about 1 wt.% or greater, about 5 wt.% or greater, about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, about 30 wt.% or greater, about 40 wt.% or greater, or about 50 wt.% or greater. For example, in certain embodiments, the composition has a concentration of the colorant that is from about 0.01 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, or from about 1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%. II. Methods of Use

[0040] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to methods of using the compositions described herein.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method is directed to controlling the release of dust from particulate solids. The method comprises mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof.

[0042] As referred to herein, particulate solids include, for example, soil materials (e.g., one or more of sand, silt, clay, loam, rock, gravel, or organic matter), rock, gravel, ash, carbon, coal, saw dust, minerals (e.g., gypsum, vermiculite, asbestos, etc.), milled grains, milled sugar cane, fertilizers, salt, quarry tailings, mine tailings, and so on, and any combinations of these materials. Typically, the particulate solids have a relatively low moisture or liquid content (e.g., about 20 wt.% or less, about 10 wt.% or less, about 5 wt.% or less, or about 1 wt.% or less). In some embodiments, the particulate solids are essentially dry or bone dry (effectively a moisture content of 0 wt.%).

[0043] A variety of locations and environments can include particulate solids where dust control would be beneficial. For example, the particulates solids could be a located on roads, rail roads, parking lots, constructions sites, construction yards, excavation sites, staging areas, storage areas, airports, mines, power plants, agricultural areas, chemical storage areas, beaches, sand dunes, and so on. In certain embodiments, the particulate solids are located in an area (e.g., roads, fields, etc.) in the vicinity of one or more solar panels. The efficiency of solar panels can be beneficially increased by reducing or controlling the amount of dust that can migrate and deposit on the surface of the panels.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method is directed to controlling or reducing erosion or migration of particulate solids such as soil materials (e.g., sand, silt, clay, loam, rock, gravel, or organic matter). The method comprises applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof. For example, the composition can be applied to slopes comprising soil (e.g., to control or reduce mudslides) and to surfaces comprising sand such as beaches or dunes (e.g., to control or reduce migration of the sand).

[0045] In further embodiments, the method is directed to improving one or more properties of a material or surface (e.g., increasing water-resistance, mechanical strength, and durability and/or decreasing porosity). The method comprises mixing with the material or applying to the surface a composition as described herein or dilution thereof. Surfaces include, for example, roads or any traversable surface leading from one place to another. For example, a road can be a way, path, route, street, pathway, track, roadway, or walkway. A road can be used as a means to delineate properties or areas. A road can be used in golf courses, shopping malls, theme parks, and other recreation parks (e.g., skate parks, water parks). A road can be used for foot traffic, animal traffic, bicycle traffic, airport landing strips, or vehicular traffic. Materials include, for example, cement, concrete, asphalt, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the material comprises cement and/or concrete.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method is directed to reducing the risk of ignition of combustible particulate solids (e.g., to reduce the risk of ignition cause by wind-induced friction). The method comprises mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof. In certain embodiments, the combustible particulate solids comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of carbon, coal, saw dust, and combinations thereof.

[0047] In further embodiments, the method is directed to forming aggregates of particulate solids, particularly fine particulate solids (e.g., soil materials, rock, gravel, ash, carbon, coal, saw dust, minerals, milled grains, milled sugar cane, fertilizers, salt, quarry tailings, mine tailings, chemicals, metal powders, particulates of fine radioactive materials, and any combinations of these materials). The method comprises mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids a composition as described herein or dilution thereof.

[0048] Upon mixing or application with particulate solids, the composition provides for crosslinking between the particulate solids. When applied to a surface of particulate solids, an amount of the composition is used that provides for a sufficiently thick layer (e.g., crust) of the composition and particulate solids. In some embodiments, an amount of the composition is applied to provide a layer that is about 0.1 cm or greater, about 0.5 cm or greater, about 1 cm or greater, about 2 cm or greater, or about 3 cm or greater in thickness (e.g., from about 0.1 cm to about 5 cm or from about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm in thickness).

[0049] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

EXAMPLES

[0050] The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention. Example 1.

[0051] A composition containing a styrene acrylic copolymer and water was prepared.

The properties of the composition were measured and are presented in Table 1.

Table 1.

Example 2.

[0052] An application mixture of the composition in Example 1 was applied to a test site (construction yard) for dust control. The test site included a road and staging area comprised of a sandy, gravely soil as shown in FIG. 1. The weather at the test site was generally warm and arid. Nine months after application of the composition, the composition was still effective in controlling dust.

Example 3.

[0053] An application mixture of the composition in Example 1 was applied to test carbon piles to control dust and to reduce the risk of ignition due to wind friction. Application of the mixture to a carbon pile is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows an aggregate of carbon formed after application of the mixture.

Example 4.

[0054] An application mixture of the composition in Example 1 was applied to a test sandy area to control migration of the sand. The sandy area is shown in FIG. 4.

Example 5.

[0055] An application mixture of the composition in Example 1 was applied to a test pile of fine volcanic ash to control dust from the ash. The volcanic ash is shown in FIG. 5. Example 6.

[0056] An application mixture of the composition in Example 1 was applied to a series of test piles and areas of soil as follows:

1. Open area, very soft soil not leveled: Surface area = approx. 750 m².

2. Shoulder of a landscape area, soft, irregular and with no compaction: Surface area = approx. 225 m².

3. Small size soil piles: Surface area = approx. 270 m².

4. Medium size soil pile: Surface area = approx. 40 m².

5. Massive soil pile Surface area = approx. 270 m².

6. Sharp pile cut (90°) : Surface area = approx. 45 m².

Application of the mixture to a selected soil piles are shown in FIG. 6. Table 2 presents the details of the application, and Table 3 presents the results of the application.

Table 2.

Table 3.

[0057] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0058] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0059] As various changes could be made in the above compositions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying figures shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A composition for controlling dust comprising a styrene acrylic copolymer and a solvent.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer that is about 0.01 wt.% or greater, about 0.1 wt.% or greater, about 1 wt.% or greater, about 5 wt.% or greater, about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, about 30 wt.% or greater, about 40 wt.% or greater, or about 50 wt.% or greater.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer that is from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, or from about 1 wt.% to about 5 wt.%.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition has a concentration of the styrene acrylic copolymer that is from about 10 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 25 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, or from about 25 wt.% to about 50 wt.%.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition has a concentration of the solvent that is about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, about 30 wt.% or greater, about 40 wt.% or greater, or about 50 wt.% or greater.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the composition has a concentration of the solvent that is from about 10 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 25 wt.% to about 75 wt.%, or from about 25 wt.% to about 50 wt.%.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the solvent comprises water or consists or consists essentially of water.

8. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a tracer.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the composition has a concentration of the tracer that is about 0.00001 wt.% or greater, about 0.0001 wt.% or greater, about 0.001 wt.% or greater, about 0.01 wt.% or greater, about 0.1 wt.% or greater, about 1 wt.% or greater, about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, or about 30 wt.% or greater.

10. The composition of claim 8, wherein the composition has a concentration of the tracer that is from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 0.1 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 0.001 wt.%, from about 0.00001 wt.% to about 0.0001 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.001 wt.% to about 0.1 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 10 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, or from about 25 wt.% to about 50 wt.%.

11. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a colorant.

12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the composition has a concentration of the colorant that is about 0.01 wt.% or greater, about 0.1 wt.% or greater, about 1 wt.% or greater, about 5 wt.% or greater, about 10 wt.% or greater, about 20 wt.% or greater, about 30 wt.% or greater, about 40 wt.% or greater, or about 50 wt.% or greater.

13. The composition of claim 11, wherein the composition has a concentration of the colorant that is from about 0.01 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.01 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%, from about 0.1 wt.% to about 1 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, from about 1 wt.% to about 25 wt.%, or from about 1 wt.% to about 10 wt.%.

14. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the colorant comprises a synthetic or natural colorant

15. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the colorant comprises a water- based or organic solvent-based colorant.

16. The composition of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the colorant comprises an organic or inorganic pigments, a dye, or a combination thereof.

17. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes about 80 wt.% or greater, about 85 wt.% or greater, about 90 wt.% or greater, about 95 wt.% or greater, about 99 wt.% or greater, or about 99.9 wt.% or greater of the total synthetic polymer content of the composition.

18. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes from about 80 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 90 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 95 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 80 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, or from about 90 wt.% to about 95 wt.% of the total synthetic polymer content of the composition.

19. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the composition does not contain other synthetic polymers.

20. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes about 80 wt.% or greater, about 85 wt.% or greater, about 90 wt.% or greater, about 95 wt.% or greater, about 99 wt.% or greater, or about 99.9 wt.% or greater of the total polymer content of the composition.

21. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the styrene acrylic copolymer constitutes from about 80 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 90 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 95 wt.% to about 99 wt.%, from about 80 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, from about 85 wt.% to about 95 wt.%, or from about 90 wt.% to about 95 wt.% of the total polymer content of the composition.

22. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the composition does not contain other polymers.

23. A method for controlling release of dust from particulate solids, the method comprising mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids the composition of any one of claims 1 to 22 or dilution thereof.

24. A method for controlling or reducing erosion or migration of particulate solids, the method comprising applying to the particulate solids the composition of any one of claims 1 to 22 or dilution thereof.

25. The method of claim 24 the composition is applied to solid particulates of a slope comprising soil.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the composition is applied to solid particulates of a surface comprising sand.

27. A methods for forming aggregates of particulate solids, the method comprising mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids a composition of any one of claims 1 to 22 or dilution thereof.

28. The method of any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the particulate solids comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of soil materials, rock, gravel, ash, carbon, coal, saw dust, minerals, milled grains, milled sugar cane, fertilizers, salt, quarry tailings, mine tailings, chemicals, metal powders, particulates of fine radioactive materials, and any combinations of these materials.

28. The method of any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the particulate solids comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of sand, silt, clay, loam, rock, gravel, organic matter, and combinations thereof.

29. A method for reducing the risk of ignition of combustible particulate solids, the method comprising mixing with the particulate solids or applying to the particulate solids the composition of any one of claims 1 to 22 or dilution thereof.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the combustible particulate solids comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of carbon, coal, saw dust and combinations thereof.

31. A method for improving one or more properties of a material or surface, the method comprising mixing with the material or applying to the surface the composition of any one of claims 1 to 22 or dilution thereof.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the surfaces comprises a road.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein the composition increases water-resistance, mechanical strength, and/or durability and/or decreases porosity of the material or surface.

34. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the material is selected from the group consisting of cement, concrete, asphalt, and combinations thereof.