Slate-like alkali-activated roofing tiles produced using copper slag and ground granulated blast furnace slagDucman, Vilma (Avtor) Wisniewski, Wolfgang (Avtor) Muhammad, Afsar (Avtor) Kvočka, Davor (Avtor) Tatsis, Efthymios (Avtor) Kriskova, Lubica (Avtor) Pontikes, Yiannis (Korespondenčni avtor) slagroofing tilesslate like tilesperformanceA new type of slate-mimicking roofing tile based on the alkali-activation of an Fe-rich slag has been developed. The main scientific contribution lies in the targeted valorisation of Fe-rich slag for thin, slate-like roofing elements that must satisfy strict roofing-specific requirements, including a limited thickness, low permeability, freeze–thaw resistance, dimensional stability, and high surface quality. Achieving the required properties and optical appearance necessitated a double-layer setup, where a fibre layer primarily provided the required mechanical properties, while a surface layer ensured the desired optical appearance. The microstructure of the produced roofing tiles was analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and Hg-porosimetry (MIP), and was compared to reference products on the market. A life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates that the current laboratory-scale production cannot yet compete with established market solutions; however, projected improvements in curing energy efficiency at industrial scale suggest strong potential for environmental competitiveness. Hence these roofing tiles could become an environmentally friendly alternative to current roofing materials. Additionally, a demonstration roof was installed to monitor the long-term performance of the roofing tiles over several years under real seasonal exposure.Elsevier20262026-03-24 13:52:49Neznano28582UDK: 624ISSN pri članku: 2590-1230COBISS_ID: 272773891sl© 2026 The Author(s)