Stabilization of Phosphogypsum by Sulfur Polymer
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 8
Abstract
In this research, a new type of phosphogypsum–sulfur polymer cement (PG-SPC) for use in the manufacture of building materials was obtained. Physicochemical, radiological characterization, and modeling of exhalation rates were carried out in phosphogypsum (PG) and PG-SPC samples. Because the PG is enriched in several natural radionucleides, a leaching study in PG-SPC was performed. The optimized ratio of elemental and phosphogypsum dosage = 10–40% by weight was obtained. The result showed that the solidified materials present a highest strength (54–62 MPa) and low total porosity (2.8–6.8%). The activity concentration index () in the PG-SPC is lower than the reference values in most international regulations; therefore these new sulfur polymer cements can be used without radiological restrictions in the manufacture of building materials inside a standard room () with good ventilation. The leaching experiment demonstrated that the environmental impacts of the PG-SPC cements are negligible.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Spanish National R&D&I Plan (Project CTQ200802012/PPQ) for the financial support of this study, Mr. Carlos Pérez for technical assistance, and Dra. I. García Díaz for the contract JAEDoc_09-00893 (CSIC), cofunded under the FSE Operational Programme 2007–2013 Adaptability and Employment Multiregional.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 25 • Issue 8 • August 2013
Pages: 1041 - 1049
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 19, 2012
Accepted: Jul 31, 2012
Published online: Aug 28, 2012
Discussion open until: Jan 28, 2013
Published in print: Aug 1, 2013
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