Hydrated phases and pore solution composition in cementsolidified saltstone waste forms

Abstract

The mineral phases and pore solution composition of hydrated cementsolidified synthetic saltstone waste forms are quantified using thermogravimetric analysis, quantitative X-ray powder diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Although the synthetic waste contained additional sulfate, the overall chemistry of the system suppressed the formation of sulfate-bearing mineral phases. This was corroborated by the pore solution analysis that indicated very high sulfur concentrations. After one year of hydration, the mineral phases present and the composition of the pore solution are stable, and are generally consistent with expectations based on the hydration of high volume portland cement replacement mixtures. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013.