Immobilization of hospital waste incineration ashes in glass-ceramic composites

In the paper process of sintering of hospital incineration ash as a counterpart of low-level active waste with borosilicate glass fit is presented. It is shown that low porosity glass-ceramic waste-form can be obtained at a temperature range of 850-900 degrees C. In the sinter, the main crystal phases are wollastonite and aegirine-augite pyroxenes which have a large isomorphous capacity of binding hazardous elements. The crystal phases are fully encapsulated by the glass that provides additional protection against environmental influence. Thus, multi barrier material can be obtained at a temperature considerably lower than vitrification. This, in turn, can improve the economics of immobilization process.