Potentially toxic elements (heavy metals and chlorinated organic compounds) and metallic aluminum (Al) in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) residues pose a radical challenge to their utilization as cementitious materials. In this study, the mechanochemical treatment of MSWI residues, with and without CaO was carried out to immobilize heavy metals, mitigate highly toxic organic compounds, and enhance cementitious properties. The leaching rate of Sb from the original bottom ash (BA), as well as Cr, and Pb from the air pollution control (APC) residue, was reduced to a non-hazardous limit after treatment. The highly toxic chlorinated organic compounds in the APC residue were converted to less toxic forms following treatment. Changes in bonds and chemical states can help elucidate the mechanisms of mechanochemical treatment. However, increased metallic Al in the fly ash (FA) after milling, deteriorated the mechanical properties of the cement mortar. The mechanochemical treatment of MSWI residues with CaO enhanced the remarkably compressive strengths of their cement mortars. The mechanochemical treatment of a mixture of BA, FA, and APC in suitable fractions transformed MSWI residues into non-hazardous substances with good exhibition as SCMs, offering a comprehensive pathway for utilization.

2025