Louisiana University purchased a Cohesive Strength Meter (CSM) from Partrac, and used it to investigate the possibility of using exopolymers to improve sediment stability in the coastal environment.
Conventional soil amendments for erosion control such as lime and Portland cement carry environmental risks due to their caustic or toxic effects.
The paper by Nugent et al describes how the erosional resistance of a pure kaolinite clay was enhanced using two exopolymer analogues.
The CSM was used to measure the critical value of shear stress in the resultant muds, and the findings and practical applications are discussed.
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Press Release, October 7, 2013