Immobilization of radioactive and hazardous contaminants and protection of surfaces against corrosion with ferric oxides

摘要

Processes for immobilizing solid contaminated materials, such as radioactive species, hazardous species, or combinations of both radioactive and hazardous species, comprise mixing the contaminated materials with hydrated ferric oxides, and then pressing the mixture at a temperature of at least about 150 DEG C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure to produce a solid composition. The water content of the mixture is adjusted if necessary. Contaminated materials dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solution can be immobilized by precipitating hydrated ferric oxide in the solution, and adjusting the water content and pressing, as above. In another process in accordance with the present invention, hydrated ferric oxides are deposited on metal surfaces. The deposited ferric oxide is pressed to produce a solid coating adhered to the surface, to retard corrosion. A ceramic body of ferric oxide composition may also be made in accordance with the present invention.