Abstract
The amount of asbestos wastes generation increases in future as the asbestos is recognized to be toxic and some abatement programs will be done. The asbestos wastes melting process was examined by means of X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. It has been shown that a sprayed-on chrysotile asbestos decomposes in the region up to 800°C and melts around 1500°C to change into the slag, of which the main composition is magnesium silicate. And also asbestos fibers are shown to be disappeared in the melted slag. From these results the asbestos wastes melting process has the possibility that these wastes can be changed into the non-hazardous, non-carcinogenic material. Crocidolite and amosite wastes can also be melted into the slag around 1400°C. Three alternatives of asbestos wastes melting system are proposed; (1) the central treatment process, (2) the small portable melting process and (3) the co-melting process with other industrial wastes.
