Mineral phases and properties of alkali-activated metakaolin-slag hydroceramics for a disposal of simulated highly-alkaline wastes

An alkali-activated metakaolin-slag hydroceramic (AMSHC) were made from a mixture of metakaolin and slag with a pure alkali solution of sodium hydroxide and a simulated high-alkaline waste (SAW) liquid via a hydrothermal curing for 24 h, respectively. The affecting factors including curing temperature, content of slag and dosage of simulated highly-alkaline waste on the properties of AMSHC, such as adsorption capacity, compressive strength and immobilization, were investigated in detail. Results indicated that the properties of AMSHC were relevant to the chemical composition and the curing conditions. Adding slag to AMSHC can enhance the compressive strength of AMSHC, but also reduce immobilization toward Sr and Cs ions. In addition, an elevated temperature is beneficial to enhance the compressive strength and the immobilization properties.