Biogenic cements and encapsulation of zinc

Metals can be stabilized into cement matrix by solidification/stabilization process. Rice hull is an agricultural residue containing about 10–20% (weight) of silica. It can be used to synthesize β-Ca2SiO4, an important component of Portland cement. Furthermore it is possible to prepare β-Ca2SiO4 doped with heavy metals. Here we describe the synthesis of β-Ca2SiO4 doped with zinc and the behavior of mortars prepared using this material. Products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The maximum amount of zinc that can be inserted into β-Ca2SiO4, without affecting the crystalline structure, is limited to 2% (molar basis). In comparison with conventional mortars, zinc-modified mortars show a similar behavior, regarding porosity, resistance to acidic attack and compressive strength. The synthesis of β-Ca2SiO4 doped with zinc presents a new possibility for safety enhancement in solidification/stabilization processes.