The role of environmental conditions on the carbonation of an alkali-activated cementitious waste form

Peng Zhang, Janelle Branch Lewis, Ofra Klein-BenDavid, Andrew C. Garrabrants, Rossane Delapp, Hans A. van der Sloot, David S. Kosson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cast Stone is a cementitious waste form being considered for the solidification of low activity waste at the DOE Hanford Site. Under near-surface disposal conditions in an arid environment, Cast Stone is subject to drying and carbonation which may impact retention of waste constituents. This study investigates the effects of environmental CO2 concentration and relative humidity (RH) on the carbonation of Cast Stone. The rate of carbonation front ingress and the extent of carbonation reaction were characterized for samples aged up to 48 weeks at three RH levels and two CO2 concentrations. While the 68% RH environment allowed the greatest reaction extent, the 15% RH environment yielded the deepest carbonation front ingress. At 68% RH, there was a linear relationship between the ingress rate and CO2 concentration. Carbonation reactions increased the drying rate of Cast Stone. Redistribution of sodium toward the wetting front was observed under drying and carbonation conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number106645
JournalCement and Concrete Research
Volume151
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alkali activated cement
  • Carbonation
  • Drying
  • Grout
  • Radioactive waste
  • Relative humidity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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