The purpose of this study is to prepare an environmentally friendly composite dust suppressant that can be used to wet the dust deposited in underground mine roadways, where it can effectively prevent the occurrence of dust. The dust suppressant is prepared by using starch as the raw material and methyl methacrylate and acrylamide as monomers, followed by mixing with a surfactant. FTIR, XRD and SEM are employed to compare the changes in the functional groups, crystal structure and microstructure of starch and the dust suppressant. Through the experimental effect of suppressant on dust, the effect and mechanism of the dust suppressant are determined. Through a wind resistance experiment and coagulum pressure testing, it is concluded that the dust suppressant has very good wind resistance and hardness. Finally, the structure and binding relationships between coal molecules, water molecules, the dust suppressant and the surfactant are verified by molecular dynamics simulations. (C) 2020 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.