Expansion properties and creep tests for a new type of solidified expansive sealing material for gas drainage boreholes in underground mines

This study was conducted to find the optimal expansion for a new type of solidified expansive sealing (SES) material. The aim was to better meet the requirements for sealing gas extraction boreholes in underground coal mines by examining the expansion and creep properties of the material. The effect of different proportions of expansion agent on expansion time, expansion mechanisms, and creep properties of the SES material was investigated using an electronic universal testing machine and other systems. Based on the results of step loading creep tests, the Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic model was selected to further analyze the mechanical properties of the material. The analysis showed that when the proportion of expansion agent in the SES is increased to 2.0%, the final expansion percentage increases to 11.5%, and the rapid expansion time and expansion preparation time quickly decreases to 18 and 12 min, respectively. In addition, the step loading displacement and constant force load displacement increase sharply. The creep parameters E₀, E₁, and η₁ of the Kelvin–Voigt model reflect the gradually weakening of the compressive capacity and anti-deformation ability of the SES material. Based on the analysis of the experimental results and field application on sealing boreholes using SES material, it was possible to establish the optimum amount of expansion agent that should be added to the SES material. The optimized proportions can meet the requirements of good flowability, high compressive capacity, and anti-deformation ability for borehole sealing in a mine.