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Minerals
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Recycling of Industrial Waste for the Development of Sustainable Materials
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Recycling of Industrial Waste for the Development of Sustainable Materials

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 6716

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maura Fugazzotto

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Guest Editor
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Corso Italia 57, 95129 Catania, Italy
Interests: geomaterials; geopolymers; cultural heritage; archaeometry; restoration
Dr. Laura Crespo-Lopez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mineralogy and Petrology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18002 Granada, Spain
Interests: mineralogy; building materials; geosciences; eco-bricks; advanced materials; petrophysical properties; ndt; archaeology; geochemistry
Dr. Chiara Coletti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6, 35131 Padua, Italy
Interests: building materials; cultural heritage; archaeometry; sustainability; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Carlos Hoffmann Sampaio

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Guest Editor
Departament d’Enginyeria Minera, Industrial i TIC (EMIT), Escola Politècnica Superior d'Enginyeria de Manresa (EPSEM), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Av. Bases de Manresa 61–63, 08242 Manresa, Spain
Interests: mineral processing; gravity concentration; ore treatment; waste recycling; construction and demolition waste; jigging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The production and use of industrial materials, such as cement and ceramic, significantly impact the environment negatively. High-temperature manufacturing processes result in substantial CO2 emissions and deplete non-renewable resources. Additionally, large quantities of waste from construction and demolition activities pose a significant global challenge.

It is crucial to reassess waste value, transitioning from linear to circular production processes, while identifying sustainable solutions and introducing innovative, environmentally friendly products. Reusing industrial waste to develop new materials that adhere to environmental sustainability principles and to achieve high technological efficiency could effectively address this issue.

This Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of waste recycling, mainly of ceramic nature, through the improvement of sustainable production processes or the development of new sustainable materials for a greener future. We invite researchers, scientists, and specialists from various disciplines to contribute on topics including the following:

  • Recycling methodologies;
  • Industrial waste characterization, disposal, and valorization;
  • Ceramic waste characterization, disposal, and valorization;
  • Construction and demolition waste management;
  • Sustainable manufacturing processes;
  • Design of innovative sustainable materials;
  • Alkali-activated materials and geopolymers;
  • Innovative ceramics;
  • Building and restoration materials.

Dr. Maura Fugazzotto
Dr. Laura Crespo-Lopez
Dr. Chiara Coletti
Prof. Dr. Carlos Hoffmann Sampaio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • recycling
  • circular economy
  • construction and demolition waste
  • innovative materials
  • green materials

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6338 KB  
Article
Microwave-Assisted Composite Alkali Activation of Low-Calcium Fly Ash: Preparation and Analysis
by Zeyu Tang, Hongyue Yin, Xin Lv, Jingjie Jiang, Yu Gao, Yue Gao, Minmin Liu, Jianying Deng and Chul B. Park
Minerals 2026, 16(3), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030322 - 19 Mar 2026
Viewed by 363
Abstract
To promote the high-value utilization of fly ash (FA) and address the prolonged setting time and limited strength associated with conventional single-alkali activation, this study proposes a synergistic dual-alkali activation strategy using Ca(OH)2 and Na2SiO3 in combination with microwave-assisted [...] Read more.
To promote the high-value utilization of fly ash (FA) and address the prolonged setting time and limited strength associated with conventional single-alkali activation, this study proposes a synergistic dual-alkali activation strategy using Ca(OH)2 and Na2SiO3 in combination with microwave-assisted curing for low-calcium fly ash. Samples containing varying amounts of Ca(OH)2 were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compressive strength testing, and pore structure analysis. The results show that Ca(OH)2 facilitates the formation of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gel, while Na2SiO3 sustains the alkaline environment and enhances the dissolution of SiO2 and Al2O3 from FA. The dual-alkali synergistic system, when coupled with microwave treatment, markedly refines the pore structure, increases the degree of polymerization, and improves compressive strength from 0.5 MPa to 1.7 MPa with increasing Ca(OH)2 content. In addition, the prepared fly ash-based geopolymer (FABG) demonstrates pronounced pH-buffering capacity in acidic environments and exhibits antibacterial activity, primarily attributable to its sustained release of alkalinity. This work highlights that integrating dual-alkali activation with microwave curing can simultaneously enhance microstructural development, chemical stability, and functional performance in low-calcium FA systems, thereby offering a viable route for the development of sustainable and multifunctional green building materials derived from industrial solid waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling of Industrial Waste for the Development of Sustainable Materials)
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16 pages, 2052 KB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Granite Sawing Sludge from Cuasso Al Monte (Italy) for the Development of Aluminosilicate Gel for a Sustainable Industry
by Sabrina Elettra Zafarana, Alessandro Achilli, Germana Barone, Danilo Bersani, Claudio Finocchiaro, Laura Fornasini, Silvia Portale and Paolo Mazzoleni
Minerals 2025, 15(7), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070718 - 9 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 821
Abstract
This study explores the feasibility of utilizing granite sawing sludge (FC) as a precursor to produce alkali-activated materials (AAMs). To enhance the reactivity of the system, metakaolin (MK) was added and binary mixtures were synthetized. A multidisciplinary approach, including mineralogical, chemical and mechanical [...] Read more.
This study explores the feasibility of utilizing granite sawing sludge (FC) as a precursor to produce alkali-activated materials (AAMs). To enhance the reactivity of the system, metakaolin (MK) was added and binary mixtures were synthetized. A multidisciplinary approach, including mineralogical, chemical and mechanical analysis, was employed to assess the suitability of these precursors to produce AAMs. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the occurred activation reaction with the consequent increase in the amorphous content. Raman spectroscopy was used to further explore the mineralogical composition of the consolidated specimens, helping in the detection of salts, whose formation is ascribed to secondary carbonatation processes. Morphological analysis (SEM-EDS) displayed relatively uniform microstructures for all specimens. Compressive strength tests revealed that MK rich samples achieved best values compared to FC rich formulations, which exhibited reduced strength resistance. This study highlights, for the first time, the benefits of incorporating Cuasso al Monte granite sawing sludges into alkali-activated binders. Results suggested that the incorporation of FC is recommended for both environmental and economic advantages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling of Industrial Waste for the Development of Sustainable Materials)
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18 pages, 8075 KB  
Article
Kinetic Aspects of Chrysotile Asbestos Thermal Decomposition Process
by Robert Kusiorowski, Anna Gerle, Magdalena Kujawa and Andrea Bloise
Minerals 2025, 15(6), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15060609 - 5 Jun 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1926
Abstract
Growing requirements in the field of environmental protection and waste management result in the need to search for new and effective methods of recycling various types of waste. From the perspective of technical and natural sciences, the disposal of hazardous waste, which can [...] Read more.
Growing requirements in the field of environmental protection and waste management result in the need to search for new and effective methods of recycling various types of waste. From the perspective of technical and natural sciences, the disposal of hazardous waste, which can lead to environmental degradation, is of utmost importance. A particularly hazardous waste is asbestos, used until recently in many branches of the economy and industry. Despite the ban on the production and use of asbestos introduced in many countries, products containing it are still present in the environment and pose a real threat. This paper presents the results of research related to the process of asbestos neutralization, especially the chrysotile variety, by the thermal decomposition method. Changes in the mineralogical characteristics of asbestos waste were studied using the following methods: TG-DTA-EGA, XRD, SEM-EDS and XRF. The characteristics of the chrysotile asbestos sample were determined before and after thermal treatment at selected temperatures. The second part of the study focuses on the kinetic aspect of this process, where the chrysotile thermal decomposition process was measured by two techniques: ex situ and in situ. This study showed that the chrysotile structure collapsed at approximately 600–800 °C through dehydroxylation, and then the fibrous chrysotile asbestos was transformed into new mineral phases, such as forsterite and enstatite. The formation of forsterite was observed at temperatures below 1000 °C, while enstatite was created above this temperature. From the kinetic point of view, the chrysotile thermal decomposition process could be described by the Avrami–Erofeev model, and the calculated activation energy values were ~180 kJ mol−1 and ~220 kJ mol−1 for ex situ and in situ processes, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the thermal method can be successfully used to detoxify hazardous chrysotile asbestos fibers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling of Industrial Waste for the Development of Sustainable Materials)
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Review

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22 pages, 4968 KB  
Review
Materials for Acid Activation: New Principles and Recent Advances
by Larissa Vieira Rocha, Madeleing Taborda Barraza, Carlos Maurício Fontes Vieira, Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo and Markssuel Teixeira Marvila
Minerals 2026, 16(4), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040404 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 438
Abstract
Population growth and rapid urbanization have significantly increased construction activities and the demand for building materials. It is estimated that approximately 39% of global CO2 emissions are associated with the construction sector, with nearly 8% directly attributed to Portland cement production. In [...] Read more.
Population growth and rapid urbanization have significantly increased construction activities and the demand for building materials. It is estimated that approximately 39% of global CO2 emissions are associated with the construction sector, with nearly 8% directly attributed to Portland cement production. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, the cement industry is responsible for substantial environmental impacts, including natural resource depletion, soil degradation, and air and water pollution. In this context, the development of alternative and more sustainable binder systems has become a global research priority. Geopolymers have emerged as promising materials produced through either alkaline or acid activation routes, offering advantages such as a reduced carbon footprint, high durability, and rapid strength development. Among these systems, acid-activated materials, particularly phosphate-based geopolymers, differ fundamentally from conventional alkali-activated binders in terms of reaction chemistry and binding phases. The formation of aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) networks plays a key role in governing the mechanical performance and microstructural stability of these materials. This mini-review provides a critical overview of the fundamental principles of acid activation applied to alternative cementitious materials, with emphasis on dissolution mechanisms, polycondensation reactions, and the nature of binding phases in phosphate-based systems. Unlike previous reviews, this study integrates recent findings on reaction mechanisms with a comparative analysis between acid and alkaline activation routes, highlighting underexplored aspects of precursor reactivity and binder formation. The main types of acids used as activators, the influence of precursor chemical composition, and the conceptual differences between acid and alkaline activation are discussed. In addition, recent advances, current challenges, and future perspectives of acid activation are addressed, highlighting its potential as a viable low-carbon binder route for sustainable construction materials, with strong prospects for partially replacing Portland cement, particularly in high-performance applications requiring enhanced chemical resistance and thermal stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling of Industrial Waste for the Development of Sustainable Materials)
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31 pages, 5464 KB  
Review
The Utilization of Slag, Steel Slag, and Desulfurization Gypsum as Binder Systems in UHPC with Iron Tailings and Steel Fibers—A Review
by Hocine Heraiz, Jiajie Li, Ziping Pan, Dongdong Zhang, Yingxi Hu, Xinli Mu, Amer Baras, Jinhai Liu, Wen Ni and Michael Hitch
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050538 - 18 May 2025
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is known for its outstanding strength and durability but is often limited by the high cost of traditional materials, like cement, fine aggregates, and silica fume. This review examines the use of industrial by-products—specifically, iron tailings, steel slag, and desulfurization [...] Read more.
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is known for its outstanding strength and durability but is often limited by the high cost of traditional materials, like cement, fine aggregates, and silica fume. This review examines the use of industrial by-products—specifically, iron tailings, steel slag, and desulfurization gypsum—as sustainable alternatives in UHPC mix design. These materials serve as supplementary cementitious components and fine aggregates, helping reduce environmental impacts and production costs. This study highlights the synergistic hydration mechanisms between Portland cement and waste-based materials, leading to improved microstructure and long-term strength. The role of steel fibers in enhancing crack resistance is also discussed. Challenges related to workability, cost, and lack of standardization are addressed, along with opportunities for innovative mix designs, low-carbon binders, and 3D printing. Overall, this paper underscores the potential of industrial by-products to advance sustainable, high-performance UHPC solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recycling of Industrial Waste for the Development of Sustainable Materials)
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