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The quality of lime is generally estimated by traditional methodologies, which consist of coarse granulometry and chemical reactivity determinations. Performing a detailed chemical/mineralogical and fine granulometric characterization is the objective of this study. Fifteen lime samples, from an original 52 commercial samples, were analyzed by their granulometric profile (GP) and chemical-mineralogical compositions to discuss limestone quality inside the tree group of traditional efficiency neutralizing power (ENP) and Mg contents. The lime reactivity was estimated using laser diffraction under water and acid solution (1 mol L−1 HCl). The grain-size distribution ranged from 0.563 to 1124 µm and the GP was associated with the chemical and mineralogical compositions. Samples with high ENP (>99%) presented differences in GP regarding Mg contents. Lime with low ENP presents the most varied mineral assemblage, while calcite and dolomite were the predominant minerals in high-ENP samples. Samples containing high Mg were the most sensitive to the acid solution, suggesting great reactivity. This work contributes to a better understanding of limestone quality than routine analyses performed so far. Additionally, the use of the laser diffraction method promotes a rapid lime reactivity test for liming purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The findings revealed that the addition of nanoalginate and lime had distinct effects on various soil properties. Specifically, the liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL) decreased when sodium nanoalginate and lime were added, while the plasticity index (PI) and shrinkage limit (SL) increased. Furthermore, the soil classification was altered when sodium alginate and lime were introduced to the control soil. Regarding the standard Proctor test, it was observed that adding sodium nanoalginate increased the maximum dry density and reduced the optimal moisture content, whereas lime had the opposite effect by decreasing the maximum dry density and increasing the optimal moisture content. The free swelling and swelling pressure tests indicated that the incorporation of sodium nanoalginate and lime reduced both free swelling and swelling pressure. The most significant reduction was observed in the sample containing 7% sodium nanoalginate and 5% lime. Additionally, the study highlighted the influence of processing time, showing that an increase in the curing time led to a decrease in free swelling and swelling pressure in samples mixed with 3% sodium nanoalginate and lime. The XRD test showed that adding sodium nanoalginate reduced primary minerals, forming SAH, while lime reduced quartz and calcite, creating CSH. Overall, the results suggest that sodium nanoalginate can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to lime for soil stabilization projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]