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Mineralogical aspects of cement in radioactive waste disposal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2018

F. P. Glasser
F. P. Glasser*
Affiliation:
Chemistry Department, University of Aberdeen, 033 Meston Building, Meston Walk, Old Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
*
*E-mail: f.p.glasser@abdn.ac.uk
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Abstract

Some of the physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of Portland cement and related materials relevant to nuclear waste immobilization are defined. The ability to condition and maintain a high aqueous pH is undoubtedly the most important factor: it precipitates many species as hydrous oxides or hydroxides. However, in the longer term, many species – cationic as well as anionic – react with one or more cement components forming solubility-limiting phases. Progress on characterization of these phases is outlined. Many of the host phases have natural equivalents and this gives comfort in respect of their likely persistence over geological time. The emerging picture of immobilization in cement suggests that cement compositions can be tailored in terms of pH, Eh and internal chemistry so as to maximize immobilization potential. Nickel, uranium and chromium and chloride are used as examples.

Keywords

Portland cementcement mineralogynickeluraniumchromiumchloride
Type
Research Article
Information
Mineralogical Magazine , Volume 65 , Issue 5 , October 2001 , pp. 621 - 633
Copyright
Copyright © The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 2001

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References

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