Long-term effect on the solidified degraded cellulose-based waste slurry in cement matrix

The long-term effects on solidification/stabilization (s/s) of the secondary wastes, resulting from the oxidative degradation of some solid cellulosic-based wastes, in Portland Cement (CEM I) have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (X-RD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The effect of seven years leaching of the cemented waste forms obtained was carried out to assess the long-term immobilization behavior of the radionuclide in the solidified/stabilized waste that maybe exposed to fresh, ground or sea water. The results of this study confirm our previously published work that the oxidative degradation treatment of some cellulosic-based wastes is essential before incorporating into the cementitious inert matrix. In addition, the release of radionuclides from the cemented waste form is a diffusion controlling process, after the first washing out period lasting for nearly thirty days. Based on the results so far obtained it is concluded that Portland Cement could be considered as a potential inert matrix to immobilize the degraded cellulosic-based wastes for a short or long time of storage or a final disposal.