Quick Search:    advanced search

GSW Home   GeoRef Home   My GSW Alerts   Contact GSW   About GSW   Journals List   Help

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Glasser, F. P. Search for Related Content GeoRef GeoRef Citation

Mineralogical aspects of cement in radioactive waste disposal

Chemistry Department, University of Aberdeen, 033 Meston Building, Meston Walk, Old Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK

^* E-mail: f.p.glasser{at}abdn.ac.uk

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 cement, cement mineralogy, nickel, uranium, chromium, chloride

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. A. Rochelle, I. Czernichowski-Lauriol, and A. E. Milodowski The impact of chemical reactions on CO2 storage in geological formations: a brief review Geological Society, London, Special Publications, January 1, 2004; 233(1): 87 - 106. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. Savage, C. Rochelle, Y. Moore, A. Milodowski, K. Bateman, D. Bailey, and M. Mihara Analcime reactions at 25-90{degrees}C in hyperalkaline fluids Mineralogical Magazine, October 1, 2001; 65(5): 571 - 587. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. E. Hodson and A. Bloodworth The mineralogy of waste and waste disposal Mineralogical Magazine, October 1, 2001; 65(5): 561 - 562. [Full Text] [PDF]