1. Recycling mineral wool waste : towards sustainable construction materialsMartina Milat, Sandra Juradin, Nives Ostojić-Škomrlj, Anže Tesovnik, 2025, review article Abstract: This literature review critically examines the incorporation of mineral wool waste (MWW), a byproduct of insulation materials, into new construction materials as a sustainable recycling strategy. Covering research published between 2000 and 2025, the review focuses on the effects of MWW on various material properties and performance, including concrete, mortar, alkali-activated materials (AAMs), geopolymers (GPs), building ceramics, and asphalt. Experimental evidence demonstrates that MWW can enhance or alter the performance of these materials, offering promising opportunities for waste valorization. The review also identifies challenges related to optimizing material compositions and production methods, and highlights the need for further research to facilitate the industrial-scale application of MWW-recycled construction materials. By synthesizing current knowledge, this work aims to inform sustainable development and circular economy practices in the construction sector.
Keywords: mineral wool waste, rock wool, glass wool, recycling, sustainability, construction and demolition waste
Published in DiRROS: 19.09.2025; Views: 246; Downloads: 120
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3. Challenges for the corrosion science, engineering, and technology community as a consequence of growing demand and consumption of materials : a sustainability issueIngrid Milošev, John R. Scully, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: This perspective is intended to bring awareness to the corrosion community that the growing demand for engineering metallic materials required for our increasingly technological society is unsustainable. Current strategies important for materials science and especially the corrosion community are presented. First, the consumption of metals is reviewed, and the global supplies and demands of metals are discussed given different scenarios, including models of global societal development. It is pointed out that expected future consumption rates place pressure on the availability of specific elements used regularly throughout the world, with nearly every element in the periodic table now utilized in production of new technological devices. The consumption pushes the mining and production of metals to levels that should be counterbalanced with novel engineering and technological methods that incorporate strategies for metal sustainability. Standard approaches such as “make-use-dispose” must gradually be transformed into a circular economy paradigm embracing the “reduce-reuse-recycle” approach. Although recycling can bolster the engineered material supply, the growing demands require additional actions to significantly preserve natural resources and prolong metal sustainability. Our views on the abilities of the corrosion community to contribute to the concept of a circular sustainable economy are introduced. Maintenance strategies and corrosion management control may not be sufficient and need to be complemented with existing or emerging new technologies such as additive manufacturing, inverse engineering design, and solvometallurgy in combination with integrative design, modeling, and machine learning approaches. The corrosion community can impact the end-of-life of components and infrastructure at different levels, starting from mining through design, production, use, reuse, and recycling. Each process step is discussed, seeking possible solutions to preserve the metal resources by, for example, achieving more efficient and high-yield mining, designing and modeling new materials, increasing production efficiency, introducing light-weighting and smart materials, as well as developing more efficient recovery, recycling, and separation.
Keywords: circular economy, metal recycling, solvometallurgy, sustainability
Published in DiRROS: 29.04.2025; Views: 599; Downloads: 326
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4. Upcycling municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash in clay-bonded bricksAdeolu Adesoji Adediran, Shaurin Maher Kikky, Suman Kumar Adhikary, Vilma Ducman, Priyadharshini Perumal, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: There is an increasing concern about the management of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (BA), of which approximately 300,000 tons are generated annually in Finland. As an alternative to the landfilling of this waste, which is the most common practice in the industry, this study investigates the feasibility of upcycling BA for clay brick production. Here, kaolinitic and illitic clays were selected as the precursors. Kaolinitic or illitic clays containing 10, 20, and 30 wt% BA and their counterparts without BA were fired at 1000 ◦C. The materials and prepared bricks were characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, mass loss, visual appearance, linear shrinkage, water ab- sorption, apparent density, compressive strength, freeze–thaw, and leaching tests. The experimental results show that the incorporation of BA as an admixture positively influenced the properties of illitic clay-based bricks, which exhibited a reduction in cracks, mass loss, and water absorption while having higher apparent density, compressive strength, and residual strength than kaolinitic clay-based bricks. This is mainly ascribed to the difference in their sintering behavior and chemical and mineralogical composition; more notably, it is ascribed to the higher content of alkali oxides (K2O and Na2O) in the illitic clay than in the kaolinitic clay. The water ab- sorption of the bricks varied from 4 % to 25 %, and the compressive strength varied from 12 to 19 MPa depending on the BA content and clay type. Nevertheless, the compressive strength of all bricks satisfied the ASTM C62 standard for bricks subjected to negligible weathering, and the residual strength of some samples after exposure to 50 freeze–thaw cycles demonstrated their resistance to severe weathering. The dual effects of sintering and BA addition resulted in more stable crystalline phases and a densified microstructure. Moreover, the heavy metals in BA were encapsulated in kaolinitic and illitic clay bricks and satisfied EU regulations for inert and nonhazardous materials.
Keywords: municipality incineration ash, bricks, recycling
Published in DiRROS: 15.04.2025; Views: 466; Downloads: 249
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6. Mineral waste into alkali-activated pavementsMajda Pavlin, Kaja Zupančič, Alenka Sešek Pavlin, 2025, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: The study highlights the pressing need to recycle mineral waste to mitigate resource depletion and environmental damage. It focuses on creating sustainable pavement slabs through alkali activation, using a variety of waste materials such as bio-ash, local slags and mineral wool. Through extensive testing of different mix designs, the optimal mixture was identified: bio-ash, ladle slag, and metakaolin, activated with sodium silicate. This combination demonstrated good mechanical properties and showed low concentrations of toxic elements in leaching tests, confirming environmental safety. The research also prioritized energy efficiency, with the curing process conducted at room temperature and demolding after just one day. A test field at Termit d.d. was established to assess the practical application and potential for commercial use of these innovative paving materials, aiming to support a circular economy by extending the lifecycle of resources.
Keywords: alkali-activation, pavement slabs, mineral waste, recycling
Published in DiRROS: 07.04.2025; Views: 565; Downloads: 284
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7. Recycled red mud as an useful geotechnical materialPrimož Pavšič, Marija Đurić, Mateja Košir, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Ana Mladenovič, Primož Oprčkal, Sara Seršen, Vesna Zalar Serjun, 2024, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: Red mud (RM) is an extractive waste from Bayer process in alumina production. The most conventional methods of RM disposal are tailing dams, or dry storage,both of which raiseenvironmental concerns due to the high alkalinity of RMandthe presence and leaching of potentially hazardous elements (PTEs).Due to its fine-grained nature and poor mechanical properties, as well as leaching of potentially hazardous substances, RM cannot be used by itself. Properties of the RM can be improved, by mixing it with hydraulic or pozzolanic binders, such as calcareous ashes or steelmaking slag, to produce mechanically stable and durable composites for earthworks. On the other hand, RMcan also serve as an immobilization additive for remediation of contaminated soils.Two different approaches for useful utilization of RMare presented based on results of laboratory research and a real case study, opening of new possibilities for conserving natural resources and reducing environmental hazards of RM deposits.
Keywords: red mud, recycling, geotechnical composites, environment
Published in DiRROS: 30.10.2024; Views: 872; Downloads: 1135
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8. An evaluation of marine sediments in terms of their usability in the brick industry : case study Port of KoperPatrik Baksa, Franka Cepak, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, Vilma Ducman, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: A dredging process is essential for the development of harbours and ports, allowing the functional daily operation of the port. The management of dredged material represents a worldwide challenge, especially considering unwanted deposition of material. Because of their chemical, petrographic, mineralogical and homogeneity composition, marine sediments could represent an appropriate raw material for the brick industry, particularly for the production of clay blocks, roofing and ceramic tiles. In this study dredged material from Port of Koper was tested for such use, thus various analyses were carried out in order to determine if the dredged material is environmentally friendly and suitable for use in the brick industry. These included: chemical analysis, mineralogical analysis, particle size analysis, chloride content analysis and tests of firing in a gradient furnace. Furthermore, tests of mechanical properties, as well as tests of the frost-resistance of the samples were carried out. On the basis of the primary analyses and samples prepared in a laboratory, it was confirmed that marine sediments from the Port of Koper, without any additives are only conditionally suitable as a source material for producing brick products, because without additives they exhibit too much shrinkage on drying and firing, as well as high water absorption, this can be improved by the incorporation of suitable additives, for example, virgin clay or other suitable waste material. The approach described herewith can also be followed to assess sediments from other ports and rivers regarding its potential use in clay brick sector.
Keywords: dredge marine sediment, recycling, clay bricks, mechanical properties, chemical analysis
Published in DiRROS: 14.08.2024; Views: 870; Downloads: 527
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9. Recycling of different incineration ashes in the construction sector : perspectives from SloveniaVesna Zalar Serjun, 2024, review article Abstract: The EU prioritizes transitioning to a circular economy, aiming to boost sustainable resource management through policies promoting recycling and reuse, benefiting both the environment and the economy. Many successful case studies demonstrate using various incineration waste by-products (ashes) as substitutes for natural materials, yielding environmental advantages and showcasing sustainable resource management practices. While extensive literature covers ash characterization and applications, the direct links between the properties of the main components, the amorphous phase, and research findings remain elusive. Analysis predominantly centers on microstructural phase development, influencing mechanical, physical, and chemical properties and guiding research interpretations. Existing standards for ash use primarily address coal-derived fly ash, with SIST EN 13282-2 allowing alternative sources like circulating fluidized bed and paper sludge incineration residues. Yet, beyond this standard, no regulations mandate using different ash types. Nonetheless, the applicability of ashes for the geotechnical composite materials has already been confirmed in the field since numerous geotechnical projects have been carried out in Slovenia. Such composites have been recognized as beneficial practices, and the majority of them also possess legal permission for usage according to the Slovenian Technical Approvals. Given the varying value and complexity of ashes, detailed characterization before use is crucial. Assessing the recycling potential of different ashes requires a precise definition of basic properties such as microstructure, minerals, and chemical composition. Emphasis should be placed on characterizing the hydraulic properties and gaining detailed insights into the amorphous phase, ensuring informed decision-making regarding their recycling processes.
Keywords: waste by-products from incineration processes, ashes, recycling, amorphous phase, (latent) hydraulic properties, hydration
Published in DiRROS: 22.07.2024; Views: 849; Downloads: 613
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10. Analysis of alkali-activated mineral wool-slag binders : evaluating the differences between one-part and two-part variationsElijah Adesanya, Rawia Dabbebi, Christine Rößler, Majda Pavlin, Zhenming Li, Tero Luukkonen, Juho Yliniemi, Mirja Illikainen, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Two synthesis pathways (one- and two-part) in alkali-activated binders were compared using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), mineral wool (MW) activated using dry and liquid alkali activators with similar Na2O/SiO2 modulus. The effect of activator type on reaction kinetics, strength development, setting times, and durability shows that one-part synthesis does not only improve early strength, but also provide better durability properties. While the highest compressive strength (56 MPa, 90 days) was achieved for the one-part mix (DM), the reaction products (presence of Mg–Al layered double hydroxide and C–S–H-like phases) observed for both mortar mixes were similar. The DM mortars showed better resistance to sulfate attack than two-part mix (WM) mortars and sets faster. The results highlight the significance of the one-part pathways in the synthesis of alkali-activated materials.
Keywords: recycling, alkali activated material, mineral wool
Published in DiRROS: 11.03.2024; Views: 1367; Downloads: 924
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