Commercially produced silicone polymers as a possible binder of Hazardous wastes

Abstract

Stabilization/solidification is an advanced, environmentally acceptable and commonly used treatment process for hazardous waste before its disposal into a landfill. However, common methods of stabilization/solidification are not sufficient in some cases and therefore some new binders for this purpose are studied. One of the options can be silicone polymers that could replace conventional binders such as cement, fly ash etc. The silicone polymers are hydrophobic, resistant to UV radiation and stable in the environment in a wide range of weather conditions. They are capable to form a hydrophobic barrier on the surface of waste particles and thus prevent leakage of harmful substances into the environment. As a source of the silicone polymer is used commercial product Lukofob ELX (water emulsion of methyl silicone resin). This study is focused on utilizing these properties and verifying the efficiency of the mentioned stabilization/solidification method on chromium contaminated synthetic waste. The properties are verified by three measured parameters: conductivity, pH and concentration of chromium. After that, these parameters are compared with limits set by regulatory decree No. 294/2005 Coll. Two different methods for leaching of stabilized/solidificated waste monoliths are also assessed in this study. One of the methods is carried out by the CSN EN 12457 with solid to liquid ratio 1:10 and the second method is performed by upgraded procedure, where the tested solid is hung on a hook in PVC-coated cage with same ratio solid to liquid. Some ideas are implied at the end of this article, but further analysis will be needed to prove or disprove the capability of commercially produced silicone polymers to stabilize and solidify hazardous wastes with successful results, which are demanded by waste producers.