A microencapsulation process of liquid mercury by sulfur polymer stabilization/solidification technology. Part I: Characterization of materials

Authors

  • A. López-Delgado National Centre for Metallurgical Research, CSIC
  • F. A. López National Centre for Metallurgical Research, CSIC
  • F. J. Alguacil National Centre for Metallurgical Research, CSIC
  • I. Padilla National Centre for Metallurgical Research, CSIC
  • A. Guerrero Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Science, CSIC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/revmetalm.1133

Keywords:

Mercury, Metacinnabar, Sulfur polymer stabilization/solidification (SPSS), Microencapsulation, Leaching, Mercury emission

Abstract


European Directives consider mercury a priority hazardous substance due to its adverse effects on human health and the environment. In response to environmental concerns, a microencapsulation process has been developed within the European LIFE program as a long-term storage option for mercury. This process leads to the obtainment of a stable concrete-like sulfur matrix that allows the immobilization of mercury. The final product, in the form of a solid block containing up to 30 % Hg, exhibits excellent mechanical properties (compressive strength 53-61MPa and flexural strength 7-10 MPa), low porosity (0.57 % PHe), very low total pore volume (0.63x10-2 cm3 g-1), and extremely low permeability (coefficient of water absorption by capillarity 0.07 g cm-2). Toxicity characteristic leaching tests reveal a mercury concentration in leachates well below the 0.2 mg L-1 set out in US EPA Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs). The values of mercury vapor emissions of final products were lower than those of cinnabar and metacinnabar.

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References

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Published

2012-02-28

How to Cite

López-Delgado, A., López, F. A., Alguacil, F. J., Padilla, I., & Guerrero, A. (2012). A microencapsulation process of liquid mercury by sulfur polymer stabilization/solidification technology. Part I: Characterization of materials. Revista De Metalurgia, 48(1), 45–57. https://doi.org/10.3989/revmetalm.1133

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