One of the key issues in predicting the suitability of cementitious waste forms for safe disposal of radioactive wastes is the long-term stability of the strength dominating cement hydrate, the calcium silicate hydrate gel (C-S-H). Its microstructure not only determines physical characteristics like mechanical strength and microporosity, but also heavily influences chemical parameters, especially the pH, which is essential in preventing corrosion of reinforced materials [1]. The C-S-H structure and the structural changes caused e.g. by carbonation in air are still not well known. The principal reason is the poor crystallinity, the difficulties in preparing homogeneous samples and the poor stability during analysis. Raman spectra of a series of mechanochemically prepared C-S-H samples with C/S ratios from 0.2 to 1.5 reveal changes in structure with changes in the C/S ratio. Samples with C/S ratios from 0.66 to 1 are dominated by Q 2 (chain elements). At C/S > 1 dimers are the main building unit [2]. Exposure to air results in very fast surface carbonation. Amorphous calcium carbonate is formed within minutes. Type and extent of carbonation is very sensitive to the C/S ratio of the primary phase. In experiments, which lasted up to 6 month, most spectra showed broad bands of amorphous silica. However, C-S-H with a C/S ratio of 0.66 and 0.75 showed only minor carbonation. Amorphous carbonate crystallizes over time to give primarily vaterite at C/S > 0.67 and aragonite at C/S<= 0.5. Calcite was not observed as a principal carbonation product [3]. With respect to carbonation the results suggest the addition of silica fume to cementitious waste forms.[1] Galle, C.; Peycelon, H.; Le Bescop, P.; Bejaoui, S.; L´Hostis, V.; Bary, B.; Bouniol, P.; Richet, C., J.Phys. IV France, 2006, 136, 25. [2] Garbev, K.; Stemmermann, P.; Black, L.; Breen, C.; Yarwood, J.; Gasharova, B., J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 2007, 90, 900. [3] Black, L.; Breen, C.; Yarwood, J.; Garbev, K.; Stemmermann, P.; Gasharova, B., J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 2007, 90, 908.
MS23 O2Wasteform design for nuclear waste immobilisation: one size does not fit all Neil Hyatt, Immobilisation Science University, Department of Engineering Materials, The University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD.Nuclear power has enjoyed a resurgence of interest in recent years and was described as "back on the agenda with a vengeance", in a recent speech by Prime Minister Tony Blair. This resurgence is motivated by the need to ensure security of energy supply and to reduce dependence on carbon fuels in order to combat global warming. Deployment of nuclear power on a scale to address these issues in the UK, and elsewhere, raises legitimate concerns regarding the production of nuclear wastes proliferation of fissile materials. Over shadowing this debate is the waste legacy of over 50 years of civil (and defence) related nuclear activities, the clean up of which is estimated to be in excess of £70bn in the UK alone. The eventual fate of all nuclear waste is disposal in an appropr...