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PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE UTILIZATION OF THE FLY ASH FROM COAL-

FIRED POWER PLANT FOR IMMOBILIZATION OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Article in Indonesian Journal of Chemistry · January 2011

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2689.3847

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258 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE UTILIZATION OF THE FLY ASH FROM COAL-FIRED

POWER PLANT FOR IMMOBILIZATION OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE

Herry Poernomo
Centre for the Accelerator and Material Process Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency
Jl. Babarsari P.O. Box 6101 Ykbb Yogyakarta 55281

Received July 18, 2011; Accepted October 19, 2011

ABSTRACT

Preliminary study of the utilization of the fly ash from coal-fired power plant for immobilizing simulated
radioactive waste has been done. The objective of this research was to study characteristics of pozzolanic material
of the fly ash from coal-fired power plant as substitute of compactor material for immobilizing simulated radioactive
waste. The experiment was carried out by mixing of the compactor materials such as (cement + lime), (cement + fly
ash), (cement + fly ash + lime), (fly ash + lime) with Na2SO4 225 g/L and KCl 4.6 g/L as simulation of evaporator
concentrate according to reference waste form no. 1 on characterization of low and medium-level radioactive waste
forms in the EUR 9423-EN. Each mixture of compactor materials solidified for 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days.
Solidified result was monolith, and then its compressive strength, water absorption, and porosity were tested. The
experiment result showed that the best of the compactor materials on the immobilizing simulated radioactive waste
was cement of 30% (wt), fly ash of 20% (wt), and lime of 20% (wt) with compressive strength of monolith of 1512.7
2
N/cm . The condenser substance on the weight ratio of fly ash/lime of 20/50 – 60/10 % (wt) as pozzolanic substance
could be used for immobilizing simulated radioactive waste by compressive strength of monoliths of 345 – 610.4
2
N/cm . Minimum compressive strength of monolith from radioactive waste cementation according to IAEA is 320
2
N/cm , hence compressive strength of monoliths from this experiment can be expressed enough well.

Keywords: fly ash, coal-fired power plant, immobilization, radioactive waste

INTRODUCTION F Class: fly ash generated from coal combustion the

type of anthrasite or bituminous.
Fly ash is the solid waste originated from the ash C Class: fly ash produced from coal combustion the
that is carried by the exhaust gases from coal type of lignite or sub-bituminous.
combustion used to the coal-fired power plant, the Cement that can be used as substitutes of
clinker combustion process in a rotary kiln of cement Portland cement is the Pozzolan cement (PC). Usually
plants, coal gasification, and coal liquefaction. The the presence of pozzolan on the Portland Cement will
exhaust gases contain highly soft fly ash particles. The give low initial compressive strength. The power will
fly ash will be retained on electrostatic settling before run eventually exceed the concrete compressive strength
out with flue gas. of Portland Cement type 1 [5].
Fly ash generated by the coal steam power plant in In the Pozzolan cement reactions between
Indonesia has granulometry analysis about 85% (wt) Pozzolan, lime and water are described as follows [6]:
with size of grains from 0.5 to 50 µm [1]. Association of Ca(OH2 ) + SiO2 + H2O  CaO.SiO2 .2H2 O (1)
the fly ash development in Australia has performed a Ca  OH2  Al2O3  5H2O  CaO.Al2O3 .6H2O (2)
granulometry analysis of the fly ash with the results
2Ca  OH2  Al2O3  Fe 2O3  5H2O 
86.7% % (wt) with size of grain about 45 µm [2]. (3)
According to ASTM C 618-91, Pozzolan divided 2CaO.Al2O3 .Fe2O3 .7H2O
into several classes: N Class: Pozzolan derived from 4Ca  OH2  Al2O3  27H2O  3SO3 
natural materials such as trass, diatomaceous, clay, (4)
CaO.Al2O3 .3CaSO4 .31H2O
kaolin, and bentonite. F&C Class: Artificial Pozzolan or
On the Pozzolan cement, formation of calcium
man-made. Included in this type is furnace slag, fly ash
hydroxide heat of hydration was slow that can prevent
from the coal combustion [3-4].
cracks in concrete.
Characteristics of some Pozzolan classes can be
Minerals derived from rocks and soils that exist in
seen in Table 1 [3-5]. Based on the type of coal used as
the earth layers contain most of the uranium
fuel, fly ash is divided into two classes (ASTM C 618– 238 232
radionuclide series ( U) and thorium ( Th), and a
94a (in Husin, 1998)), namely [5]: 40
radioactive isotope of potassium ( K). In uranium series,
* Corresponding author. Tel/Fax : +62-85879825841
Email address : [email protected]

Herry Poernomo
 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266 259

Table 1. Pozzolan classification according to ASTM C 618-91

Description N Class F Class C Class
SiO2 min (%) 54.90 39.90
SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3 min (%) 70.0 70.0 50.0
SO3 max (%) 4.0 5.0 5.0
Water content max (%) 3.0 3.0 3.0
Incandescent lost max (%) 10.0 12.0 6.0
Alkali as Na2O max (%) 1.5 1.5 1.5
Pozzolan activity with 7 days lime: min (psi) 800 800 -
2
min (kg/cm ) 56.25 56.25 -

226
( Ra) is the most important as disintegration chain EXPERIMENTAL SECTION
segment in radiological, hence radium is chosen instead
238 238 232 40
of U [7]. Based on this, the U, Th, and K Materials
contained in solid waste fly ash from coal-fired power
plant is classified as TENORM (Technologically The materials were used in this research include:
Enhanced Naturally Occurred Radioactive Materials). waste simulation in accordance with reference waste
Results of radioactivity concentration measurement form no.1 in the characterization of low and medium-
in fly ash TENORM that generated from coal-fired power level radioactive waste forms in the EUR 9423-EN with
plant in Paiton Probolinggo East Java showed the non-active component consist of Na2SO4 225 g/L and
concentration of natural radioactivity of uranium series 4.6 g KCl/L [12].
238 232
( U) is 170 Bq/kg, thorium series ( Th) is to 87 Bq/kg, Fly ash from electrostatic precipitator (ESP) of
40
and potassium ( K) is 105 Bq/kg [8]. The value of coal-fired power plant in Tanjung Jati B Jepara with
radioactivity concentration in the fly ash is lower than the chemical composition in % weight as follows: 53.626%
clearance level provisions required by the IAEA- SiO2, 21.611% Al2O3, 11.159% Fe2O3, 5.457% CaO,
TECDOC -855 (1996) and Nuclear Energy Agency 0.882% MgO, 2.260% Na2O, 1.697% K2O, 3.308% H2O
238
(2004) that is 300 Bq/kg for single radionuclide U, [13].
226 232
Ra and Th [9, 10], while the clearance levels for the Gresik Portland cement type 1 obtained from
40
K is 300,000 Bq/kg [11]. building material stores in Yogyakarta with the
From TENORM analysis result primarily for the chemical composition in weight % as follows: 65.29%
series of uranium and thorium and also potassium in the CaO, 21.30% SiO2, 5.41% Al2O3, 3.53% Fe2O3, 0.89%
fly ash from coal-fired power plant in Paiton, it can be MgO, 2.25% SO3, 1.20% free lime, 0.20% alkali (Na2O
concluded that based on the exemption level of + 0.658 K2O), and 1.63% incandescent lost [14].
TENORM issued by the International Atomic Energy Limestone obtained from the building materials
Agency (IAEA) regulations, the fly ash generated from store in Yogyakarta.
coal-fired power plant in Indonesia is predicted to
provide the radioactivity concentrations in the range Instrumentation
which is almost equal to the value of the fly ash
radioactivity concentration in Paiton. Thus the fly ash The equipment used are a set of glassware,
from coal-fired power plant in Indonesia can be classified Sybron furnace, Sartorius analytical balance, sieve
as TENORM which could be released. Tyler 400 mesh, magnetic stirrer, mixer, cylindrical
Thus, the fly ash waste from coal-fired power plant monolithic printing container covered with diameter 4
in Tanjung Jati B Jepara is possible to be used as the cm and 4 cm in tall, cylindrical container covered with a
condensed material in the immobilization of radioactive volume > 10 x volume of cylindrical monolith, Paul
waste. Result of immobilizing radioactive waste was Weber measuring tools of compressive strength.
called monolith. Physical characteristics such as
compressive strength, porosity and water absorption of Procedure
the monolith were then evaluated.
This research has been conducted on the influence Preparation of Fly Ash Mineral
of fly ash as an ingredient on the immobilization of Fly ash from coal-fired power plant in Tanjung Jati
radioactive waste compactor simulation based on an B Jepara was heated in oven at 110 °C to obtain a
evaluation of physical characteristics (compressive constant weight, cooled in exicator, sieved using a
strength, porosity and water absorption) of the monolith. Tyler sieve mesh of size 400, and stored in tightly
closed containers.

Herry Poernomo
260 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266

Table 2. Monolith material test composition (composite of the immobilization result of RAW simulation)
Composition, % weight
No. Sample Code
RAW Simulation Cement Lime Fly Ash
1 K1 30 70 - -
2 K2 30 60 10 -
3 K3 30 50 20 -
4 K4 30 40 30 -
5 K5 30 30 40 -
6 K6 30 20 50 -
7 K7 30 10 60 -
K1 – K7 as control
8 L1 30 50 10 10
9 L2 30 40 10 20
10 L3 30 30 10 30
11 L4 30 20 10 40
12 L5 30 10 10 50
13 M1 30 40 20 10
14 M2 30 30 20 20
15 M3 30 20 20 30
16 M4 30 10 20 40
17 N1 30 30 30 10
18 N2 30 20 30 20
19 N3 30 10 30 30
20 O1 30 20 40 10
21 O2 30 10 40 20
22 P1 30 10 60 10
23 Q1 30 - - 70
24 Q2 30 - 10 60
25 Q3 30 - 20 50
26 Q4 30 - 30 40
27 Q5 30 - 40 30
28 Q6 30 - 50 20
29 Q7 30 - 60 10

Preparation of Radioactive Waste (RAW) Simulation The mixtures with compositions such as in the
Na2SO4 of 225 g and KCl of 4.5 g were inserted Table 2 was stirred until homogeneous, and then each
into the measurement gourd that filled with mixture according to the sample code was entered in 3
demineralized water in 1000 mL, then stirred with a pieces mold in cylindrical shape, then was cured for 14
magnetic stirrer until the Na2SO4 and KCl was dissolved. days, 21 days, and 28 days. Monolith in the mold on
th st th
The solution in the measurement gourd represents RAW the day of curing of 14 , 21 , and 28 out from the
simulation with levels of Na2SO4 225 g/L, and KCl 4.5 mold, and then pressing test was done using a
g/L in accordance with reference waste form no.1 [12]. measuring tool of compressive strength of Paul Weber.

Preparation of Monolith (Solid Composite of Test of Water Absorption and Monolith Porosity
Immobilization Results of RAW Simulation) Determination
Fly ash pass siever of 400 mesh, cement, lime and Test of water absorption and monolith porosity
RAW simulation at a certain ratio were mixed until determination was conducted on monolith with
homogeneous. RAW simulation was solidified with monolith-forming composition that gives the best
concentrate/cement ratio of 0.37 to 0.52 [12]. The role of compressive strength at 28 days of curing monolith.
cement as a condensed material will be replaced by a The monolith was then weighed, and inserted into the
condensed material which includes a mixture of test container with monolith position adhere horizontally
materials (cement + lime), blended (cement + lime + fly at the bottom of the container. Container was filled with
ash), and Pozzolan mixtures (lime + fly ash). The monolith, then filled with demineralized water as much
monolith establishment from immobilization results of as 10 times the volume of monolith, then was sealed
RAW simulation was made from a mixture (RAW for 7 days in water bath to reduce temperature
simulation + compactor material) on the ratio of RAW changes. Monolith was removed from the container
simulation/compactor material = 30/70 = 0.428 with a after submerged by demineralized water for 7 days,
composition as presented in Table 2. then placed in a pan with horizontal position monolith.

Herry Poernomo
 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266 261

Table 3. Some minerals that are formed in Portland cement type 1 hydration process
Minerals name Formula name Composition, % weight
Portlandite Ca(OH)2 29.2
C-S-H Ca3Si2O3(OH)8 50.9
Hydrogarnet Ca3Al2(OH)12 6.8
Fe oxides Fe2O3 3.0
Monosulfate [Ca2Al(OH)6.2H2O]2SO4.2H2O 1.8
Ettringite [Ca3Al(OH)6.12H2O]2(SO4)3.2H2O 8.1

618-91 with total chemical composition of (SiO2, Al2O3,

Fe2O3) for fly ash pozzolan of F and C class is 70%
and 50% by weight respectively. Components of SiO2,
Al2O3, Fe2O3 in fly ash is an important element of
pozzolan composer which by water and lime will be
forming compounds of calcium silicate hydrate
(CaO.SiO2.2H2O), aluminate calcium hydrate
(CaO.Al2O3.6H2O), and calcium aluminate ferrite
hydrate (2CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3. 7H2O) as an addition to
the concrete monolith compiler framework [4-6].
Fig 1. Effect of lime / cement ratio with 0% weight fly ash
Effect of Lime/Cement Ratio against Immobilization
addition against compressive strength of immobilization
RAW Simulation Results without Pozzolan
results of RAW simulation
Materials of Fly Ash
Monolith was aerated until the monolith surface
Immobilization process of RAW simulation using
exactly dry, and then was determined water absorption
cement, lime, and fly ash is the nipping process or
(%) and monoliths porosity using the equation:
molecules immobilization of RAW simulation by
Wi - Wo
WA = x 100% (5) tubermorite gel 3CaO.SiO2.4H2O, 3CaO.2SiO3.4H2O,
Wo 3CaO.Al2O3. Ca(OH)2.12H2O, and 6CaO.Al2O3.
when, WA = water absorption (%), W i = the final weight Fe2O3.12H2O that will be hard caused by process of
of monolith after soaking in the demineralized water (g), hardening tobermorite gel into compact, dense and
W o = initial weight of monolith after heated at hard monolith. Immobilization of RAW was intended so
temperature 110 °C for 24 h (g). that radionuclide molecules can be jam in well in
Wi - Wo monolith so that it will be difficult to slip off at the time
ρw performing of repository. Effect of lime and cement to
ε= (6)
Vt the monolithic of immobilized RAW simulation results
when,  = monolith porosity, w = density of without the addition of fly ash Pozzolan was shown in
demineralized water at a temperature of water bath the Fig. 1.
3 3
(g/cm ), Vt = volume of monolith (cm ). Fig. 1 shows that the addition of more lime on the
immobilization of RAW simulations has been gave
RESULT AND DISCUSSION compressive strength monolith from results of curing
time during 14 days, 21 days and 28 days smaller. This
Analysis of Chemical Composition of Fly Ash as is understandable because the formation of free lime
Pozzolanic Terms from the cement can not be avoided, because base
material of cement itself contains limestone. Free Lime
Content of SiO2 in fly ash from coal-fired power Ca(OH)2 is the air mortar and is the weakest crystal in
plant in Tanjung Jati B Jepara is 53.626% by weight. concrete. The higher the amount of free lime was
According to ASTM C 618-91, the fly ash from Tanjung added to the mixture of concrete monolithic, hence the
Jati B including pozzolan in C class with minimum compressive strength of concrete monoliths was
content of SiO2 39.90% weight. Total chemical decreased [15].
composition of SiO2 (53.63%), Al2O3 (21.6%), Fe2O3 Number of free lime (Portlandite) in the concrete
(11.16%) in the fly ash from coal-fired power plant in monolith from the cement hydration process is shown
Tanjung Jati B Jepara is 86.40% by weight. It have in Table 3 [16]:
fulfilled the conditions of pozzolan according to ASTM C The forming of some mineral in Table 3 were
came from hydration reaction of the Portland cement

Herry Poernomo
262 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266

type 1 which usually can be expressed with the equation

(7) up to (12) or (13) up to (16) as follows [16-17]:
2Ca3SiO5  7H2O  Ca3Si2O3  OH 8  3Ca OH 2
(7)
alite C-S-H portlandite
2Ca 2SiO 4  5H2O  Ca3Si2O3  OH 8  Ca OH 2
(8)
belite C S H portlandite
Ca4 Al2Fe2O10  7H2O  Fe2 O3  Ca3 Al2  OH 12  Ca  OH2
(9)
ferrite hydrogarnet portlandite
CaO  H2O  Ca  OH2
portlandite Fig 2. Curing time effects against amount of hydrate
(10) molecules and monolith porosity of the cement
Ca3 Al2O6  3CaSO4 .2H2O  26H2O 
hydration results
aluminate gypsum
(11)
[Ca3 Al  OH6 .12H2O]2  SO 4 3 .2H2O
ettringite
[Ca3 Al  OH6 .12H2O]2  SO4 3 .2H2O  Ca3 Al2O6  4H2O 
ettringite aluminate
(12)
3[Ca 2 Al  OH6 .2H2O]2 SO 4 .2H2O
monosulfate
The other form of hydration reaction of cement as
follows [17]:
2  3CaO.SiO2   7H2O 
Tricalsium Silicate  C3S 
(13)
3CaO.SiO2 .4H2O  3Ca  OH 2
Fig 3. Effect of lime / cement ratio with 10% weight fly
Calsium Silicate Hydrate  C  S  H
ash addition against compressive strength of
2  2CaO.SiO2   5H2O  3CaO.2SiO3 .4H2O  Ca OH 2 immobilization results of RAW simulation
(14)
Dicalsium Silicate  C2S  CS H
3CaO.Al2O3  2H2O  Ca  OH 2  If the ratio of water and cement is proper, the
Tricalsium Aluminate  C3 A 
cement hydration reaction through the phase of setting
(15) process, curing, and hardening of the gel tubermorite
3CaO.Al2O3 .Ca  OH2 .12H2 O
can take place perfectly (providing greater compressive
C   A,C   H strength) [20].
4CaO.Al2O3 .Fe2O3  10H2O  2Ca  OH 2 
Tetracalsium Aluminate Ferrite  C4 AF 
Effect of Limestone/Cement Ratio against the
(16) Immobilization RAW Simulations with Material
6CaO.Al2O3 .Fe2O3 .12H2 O
Pozzolan of Fly Ash
C   A,F   H
The reaction (7) and (8) or (13) and (14) arising of Effect of lime and cement to the monolithic
C3S2H3 (3CaO.2SiO2.3H2O) or calcium silicate hydrate immobilized RAW simulation results with the addition of
(C-S-H) or tubermorite gel and calcium hydroxide 10% weight fly ash is shown in the Fig. 3.
(Ca(OH)2). Excess Ca(OH)2 and water from the cement Fig. 3 shows that amount of lime that greater on
hydration reaction is then reacted with calcium aluminate the fixed amount of fly ash as much as 10% weight in
(CaO.Al2O3) and calcium aluminate-ferrite the dough (waste + lime + cement) provide smaller
(CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3) had been forming crystals of compressive strength. This can be understood because
CaO.Al2O3. Ca(OH)2.12H2O or C-(A, C)-H and the amount of lime that greater, hence the amount of
CaO.Al2O3. Fe2O3.12H2O or C-(A, F)-H [18]. cement in dough smaller. Number of cement that
In concrete technology, result of reaction of reduced in the dough causing the smaller amount of
concrete forming generally was explained with hydration C3S and C2S were required for the formation of C-S-H
reaction like equation reaction (7) up to (12) or (13) up to crystals from cement hydration reaction in equation
(16). While time influence forming of crystals of (13) and (14). The smaller amount of cement because
constructor of concrete monolith that usually of of the increasing lime in the dough, hence smaller
explainable with Fig. 2 [19]. amount of C3A and C4AF were required for the

Herry Poernomo
 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266 263

formation of crystals of C-(A,C)-H and C-(A,F)-H of the

cement hydration reaction in equation (15) and (16).
Important role of the hydrate compounds of C-S-H,
C-(A,C)-H and C-(A,F)-H is as crystal molecules former
hard monolith, hence the decreasing number of crystals
of C-S-H, C-(A,C)-H and C-(A,F)-H by increasing the
amount of lime in the dough causing compressive
strength of the monolithic of dough at curing results for
14, 21, and 28 days became lower.

Effect of Fly Ash/Cement Ratio against

Immobilization Results of RAW Simulation with
Addition of Lime Fig 4. Effect of lime / cement ratio with 10% weight
lime addition against compressive strength of
Effect of fly ash/cement ratio against monolithic immobilization results of RAW simulation
immobilization results of RAW simulation with addition of
lime is shown in the Fig. 4, 5, and 6.
Fig. 4, 5, and 6 shows that with addition of fly ash
and lime were gave a greater compressive strength
monolith. This can be understood because the fly ash
has a finer grain than granulated cement and has
hydraulic properties like Pozzolan. By the nature of
Pozzolan in fly ash, it can change the free lime Ca (OH)2
(portlandite) as air mortar into hydraulic mortar as
reaction (1), (2), and (3). Fly ash is expected not only to
increase the compactness and density of concrete, but
also can add strength. It is quite reasonable, because
the fly ash mechanically will fill the empty space (cavity)
between the grains of cement and a chemical will
provide the hydraulic properties of the free lime Fig 5. Effect of lime/cement ratio with20 % weight lime
(portlandite) generated from the hydration reaction in the addition against compressive strength of immobilization
cementation process, where this hydraulic mortar will be results of RAW simulation
stronger than the air mortar (free lime + water).
In accordance with lime hardening theory which
states that the ability of lime to harden due to its
hydraulic forces, namely a comparison between CaO
with the amount of (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3), this ratio is
called the hydraulic modulus. The smaller hydraulic
modulus shall increase ability of lime to harden in water.
Since the number of (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3) in lime
only 2.64% [17], then with the addition of fly ash from
coal-fired power plant in Tanjung Jati B that have a
content (SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3) 86.396% by weight, it will
reduce the number of hydraulic modulus, so it can be
understood that amount fly ash content greater, hence
the hardness of monolith more was increasing [20].
Fig 6. Effect of lime/cement ratio with 30% weight lime
From the constituent components, cement and fly
addition against compressive strength of immobilization
ash have similar components. If the composition gives
results of RAW simulation
the best characteristics of monolith, it is supposed
because of compositions of fly ash dominated by higher
hydrate compounds of CaO.SiO2.2H2O,
compound of alumina-silica when compared with cement
CaO.Al2O3.6H2O, and 2CaO.Al2O3.Fe2O3.7H2O such as
and lime. The condition makes composition with larger
in equation (1), (2), and (3). Hydrate compounds as
fly ash component produce better monolithic
additive formers of monolith initially will gave initial
characteristics, because the alumina-silica compounds
compressive strength lower than concrete of Portland
in the fly ash will provide additional formation of several
cement type 1 that caused by the formation of ettringite

Herry Poernomo
264 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266

21, and 28 days can be compared with the

compressive strength monolith of immobilization results
required by the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA). According to the IAEA Technical Report Series
No. 222, monolithic quality standards of radioactive
waste immobilization results after attain of age 28 days
give limits monolithic compressive strength of 0.32 to
2 2
7 kN/cm or 320 – 7000 N/cm .
Comparison between compressive strength the
immobilization results of RAW simulation existing in
Fig. 7 with the IAEA requirements result shows that the
range ratio of fly ash/lime: 20/50 – 60/10 (in % weight)
has been entered in the range of compressive strength
Fig 7. Effect of fly ash / lime ratio against immobilization as required by the IAEA by providing a minimum
2
results of RAW simulation without cement addition compressive strength of 345 N/cm from the monolith
curing results of 21 days and the highest compressive
2
strength of 610.4 N/cm from the monolith curing
results of 28 days.
In general, Fig. 5 shows that the mineral
composition forming the best monolith is which has
composition (30% simulation radioactive waste, 30%
cement, 20% lime, and 20% weight fly ash with the
2
highest compressive strength of 1512.73 N/cm
compared with other mineral composition monoliths
shaper. Beside that, the monolith compositions at the
same curing time give different values of compressive
strength. Furthermore, for the same monolith mineral
Fig 8. Correlation of porosity against compressive
composition, any change in curing time gives different
strength and water absorption of monolith on the best
compressive strength too. This case shows that the
composition
mineral composition had an effect on the compressive
strength value of the monolith was resulted. Likewise,
(3CaO.Al2O3.3CaSO4.31H2O), but the final compressive
the curing time also had an effect on the compressive
strength obtained on the monolith will be higher than the
strength value of the monolith was resulted.
concrete of Portland cement type 1 [4,18].
Absorption Characteristics of Water and Monolith
Effect of Fly Ash/Lime Ratio against Immobilization
Porosity on the Best Composition
Results of RAW Simulation without Cement Addition
Water absorption test and determination of
Effects of fly ash/lime ratio against monolith of LRA
monolith porosity were done as a simulation of the
immobilization simulation results without the cements
process of absorption of water as a discharger medium
addition are shown in the Fig. 7.
into the monolith through the pores of monolith
Fig. 7 shows that on the range ratio of fly ash/lime
because of the hydrostatic pressure gradient in water
20/50 – 60/10 (in % weight) gives the solid simulation of
that is greater than the pressure inside the pores of
RAW immobilization results of monolith. This matter as
monolith. The amount of water absorbed by the
evidence of pozzolanic character of fly ash from coal-
monolith pores will affect to the amount of radioactive
fired power plant in Tanjung Jati B. Time of hardening
substance that will slip off by the water out of the
monolith of Pozzolan usually slower than the monolith of
monolith pores in molecular diffusion. The occurrence
Portland cement type 1, so the initial compressive
of molecular diffusion in the monolith was caused water
strength lower than the compressive strength of monolith
and substance was leached in the monolith has a
of Portland cement type 1, but the final compressive
higher concentration than the water outside the walls of
strength of monolith of Pozzolan will be higher than the
monolith. The monolith porosity smaller usually was
monolith of Portland cement type 1.
followed by the increasingly monolith quality compact
Monolith from immobilization results of RAW
and solid that can be identified by the greater
simulation in curing > 28 days was not done in this
compressive strength. The monoliths porosity are
study. However the compressive strength of monolithic
smaller, then the amount of water absorbed by the
immobilization results of RAW simulation in curing of 14,

Herry Poernomo
 Indo. J. Chem., 2011, 11 (3), 258 - 266 265

monoliths smaller so that radioactive substance are Using of fly ash and lime without cement with ratio
clamped by several hydrate compounds in the monolith composition of fly ash/lime 20/50 to 60/10 (in % (wt))
to slip off by water in the monolith pores are smaller. and RAW simulation of 30% weight can give the
Correlation of monolith compressive strength of monoliths at curing time of 21 days with a minimum
2
water absorption and monolith porosity characteristics compressive strength of 345 N/cm and at curing time
on the best composition (30% RAW simulation, 30% of 28 days with the highest compressive strength of
2
cement, 20% lime, 20% fly ash) with curing time 28 is 610.4 N/cm . The monolith compressive strength result
shown in the Fig. 8. according to monolith compressive strength
Fig. 8 shows that there is a correlation of water requirements of RAW immobilization results in
2 .
absorption, porosity and monolith compressive strength. accordance with the IAEA (320 – 7000 N/cm )
The smaller porosity in the monolith resulted in more Water absorption test and monolith porosity
compact and dense monolith so that the water determination of immobilization results of RAW
absorption by monoliths was smaller. simulation on monoliths forming composition can be
Since the limit value for water absorption of represent the proportional correlation with the slip off
radioactive waste immobilization is not required by the speed of radionuclide at the monolith. Thus the smaller
IAEA, the data of water absorption by the monolith of 28 effective porosity at the monolith, will give smaller slip
days curing in Fig. 8 can be compared with water off velocity.
absorption of hollow concrete bricks from a mixture of fly
ash, lime and sand with water absorption value on the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
wane from 12% to 7.5% in weight addition of pasta in a
3 3
mixture of 455.5 kg/m to 723 kg m [21]. Thanks to the Tri Suyatno and Sunardi, SST who
If real radioactive substance was found in RAW have assisted this research in the Sub Division of
simulation, the porosity results in Fig. 7 can be Waste Management and Environmental Safety, Centre
correlated with the speed of radionuclide slip of the for Accelerator and Material Process Technology–
porous monolith of immobilization results of RAW National Nuclear Energy Agency, Yogyakarta.
simulation. In the porous solid medium, the correlation
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Herry Poernomo
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Terbang terhadap Kuat Tekan dan Serapan Air pada

Herry Poernomo

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