Nonflammable waste forms

Several additional favorable properties of CBPCs make them an even better candidate for stabilization. The waste form is a dense matrix, generally with very good mechanical properties. Also it is nonleachable, does not degrade over time, is neutral in pH, converts even flammable waste into nonflammable waste forms, performs well within acceptable levels in radiolysis tests, and can incorporate a range of inorganic waste streams (solids, sludge, liquids, and salts). 

The environmentally benign, nontoxic, and nonflammable fluids water and carbon dioxide (C02) are the two most abundant and inexpensive solvents on Earth. Water-in-C02 (w/c) or C02-in-water (c/w) dispersions in the form of microemulsions and emulsions offer new possibilities in waste minimization for the replacement of organic solvents in separations, reactions, and materials formation processes. Whereas the solvent strength of C02 is limited, these dispersions have the ability to function as a universal solvent medium by solubilizing high concentrations of polar, ionic, and nonpolar molecules within their dispersed and continuous phases. These emulsions may be phase-separated easily for product recovery (unlike the case for conventional emulsions) simply by depressurization. 

SPILL CLEAN-UP ventilate area of leak or spill use water spray to cool and reduce vapors, and dilute spills to form nonflammable mixtures collect liquid in an appropriate container or absorb with noncombustible materials (e.g., sand, clay, dry earth), and place in a chemical waste container flush remaining liquid with large amounts of water but not into confined spaces such as sewers because of danger of explosion remove all sources of ignition. 

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