Thermal decomposition of cement–asbestos at 1100 °C: how much “safe” is “safe”?

The products of cement–asbestos treated in air at 1100 °C were characterized by a multi-methodological approach to determine: (i) the effective deactivation of harmful asbestos fibers; (ii) the mineralogy and microstructure of the inert product and its possible use as a secondary raw material (SRM); and (iii) any potential health hazard of the SRM. For this purpose, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analyses were performed. The powdered SRM was also analyzed by dynamic laser scattering and solution leaching experiments, to determine grain size distribution and possible elements release. Our results confirm the deactivation of crocidolite and chrysotile asbestos fibers, but at the same time evidence a significant fraction of nanoparticles in the SRM and some critical releases of SO42–, F– and Cr6+ in solution. Both the nanoparticle fraction and the critical elemental release may pose human health concern and adversely affect potential applications of the SRM. Strategies to control the grain size distribution through adjusted thermal treatment conditions and microwave-assisted grinding operations are discussed. Possible routes to safely reuse the SRM are indicated.