Mechanisms of metal stabilization in cementitious matrix : interaction of tricalcium aluminate and copper oxide/hydroxide

This present study investigated two fixation system. The first incorporated different copper-bearing species [such as Cu powder, Cu(NO 3 ) 2 solution, and Cu(OH) 2 /CuO sludge] into cement, while the second was CuO solidified intricalcium aluminate (3CaO-Al 2 O 3 , abbreviated as C 3 A). The interactions between the fixation systems and the copper species were characterized using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The XRD examinations indicated that both two-fixation systems provided the appropriate alkaline and humidified environment for fixative hydration which enhanced the solubility of the copper species