Radon immobilization potential of alkali-activated materials containing ground granulated blast furnace slag and phosphogypsum

This study evaluates the immobilization potential of Rn-222 in alkali-activated materials (AAMs) based on ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). As radon source, 10 wt% phosphogypsum (PG) was added to evaluate PG reuse via AAMs. Matrix properties were modified by varying alkali activator's SiO2/Na2O and H2O/Na2O ratios. During hardening of AAMs, radon release occurs in three stages resulting, after 30 h, to 0.26 Bq/(kg(*)h). By varying the alkali-activator, massic exhalation for hardened samples decreased down to 0.01 Bq/(kg(*)h). Radon release was successfully reduced mainly by physical encapsulation, with best results being achieved by adjusting the alkali-activator to SiO2/Na2O = 0.75 and H2O/Na2O = 20. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication year:2018

Keywords:Alkali-activated material, Ground granulated blast furnace slag, Phosphogypsum, Naturally occurring radionuclide material, Radon exhalation, Building material

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BOF-publication weight:3

CSS-citation score:2

Authors from:Higher Education

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